Wednesday, May 5, 2004

Health officials warn about mosquito-borne viruses With the onset of spring and warm weather, state and local public health officials are reminding Georgians that simple measures this spring can help prevent mosquito-borne viruses from becoming active in their communities later into summer. “More mosquitoes means greater risk of mosquito-borne viruses,” explained Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., director of the Georgia Department of Human Resources’ Division of Public Health. “To avoid having large populations of mosquitoes breeding near their homes, people should conduct weekly clean-up of their properties to get rid of any standing water,” added Toomey. “Now is also the time to check screens and other areas where mosquitoes could get inside.” The Division of Public Health conducts surveillance year-round for mosquito-borne viruses. Recently, public health officials identified increasing numbers of some mosquito species in southern and coastal Georgia. Large numbers of mosquitoes are associated with a greater likelihood of people catching mosquito-borne diseases. In March, a Brantley county man was diagnosed with LaCrosse encephalitis virus infection. LAC is a mosquito-borne virus that circulates in Georgia, but is less known than West Nile virus. The man has recovered from his illness. Katherine Bryant, M.P.H., who monitors mosquito-borne diseases for the Division of Public Health, said, “The occurrence of the Brantley county resident’s illness underscores the importance of wearing a DEET-based repellent and long sleeves and long pants when outdoors in places where mosquitoes are active.” Mosquitoes that carry mosquito-borne viruses such as LAC, WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus often breed in people’s own backyards, where standing water collects in items such as flower pots, wheelbarrows and gutters. Mosquitoes also commonly breed in water that pools in discarded tires. Rosmarie Kelly, Ph.D., the entomologist who monitors mosquitoes for the Division of Public Health, said, “Taking care of places where mosquitoes can breed in your community not only makes the community more attractive, but it can also prevent people from getting sick.” Last year, Georgia reported 55 people infected with WNV, as well as two with EEE infection and one with LAC infection. For updates to this year’s mosquito-borne disease case numbers, visit www.health.state.ga.us. The DHR, Division of Public Health works closely with local health departments to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. For more information on this or any other public health program visit www.health.state.ga.us.