District 4 Public Health Services reminds the public to stay vigilant about preventing mosquito bites. Historically in Georgia, the majority of West Nile Virus cases are reported in the early fall months. So far this year, surveillance data gathered by the Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Public Health confirms horses in Bibb and Lowndes counties have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Human biting mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus have also been found in Fulton County. The season for West Nile Virus begins in early summer but can last well into the fall.

District 4 Public Health is using science to help protect residents against mosquito-borne viruses through surveillance. Dr. Mike Womack, an experienced mosquito expert will be assisting District 4 this mosquito season with the collection of potential West Nile Virus infected mosquitoes. This will be the second year that such an “early warning” mosquito surveillance system has been in place in the district.

Dr. Womack received his training from the University of Mississippi Medical School’s graduate program and the United States Air Force. He taught in the biological science program at Macon State College for 32 years. From 1999-2006 the Tennessee Valley Authority engaged his entomological services for mosquito surveillance in North Georgia and Western North Carolina. He also was actively engaged in collecting for West Nile Virus from 2001-2004 in Macon, Warner Robins, Albany, and Valdosta, Georgia.

Mosquito traps are set, in water areas as well as in response to nuisance calls, beginning in mid-summer and lasting through mid-fall. Calls and trap locations are logged and mapped using GIS computer software allowing electronic mapping of the region. Once mosquitoes are trapped, those that are known to bite humans are sent to the University of Georgia’s Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study and tested for the presence of dangerous diseases. If they are found to carry any potentially dangerous viruses, District 4 personnel can identify the area the mosquitoes came from and take appropriate actions. Examples of response vary from simply adding traps in the area to increasing surveillance, notification and education of citizens in the area of risk, and recommendations regarding larvicidal or insecticidal actions by the appropriate local governmental agency.

Although human infections from mosquito-borne viruses are rare, mosquitoes can infect humans with West Nile Virus (WNV), Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and Saint Louis Encephalitis (SLE).

People can reduce their risk of contracting these viruses by taking steps to prevent mosquito bites and reducing mosquito habitats around the home. The following is a simple reminder of four steps you can take to prevent and reduce bites:

1) Areas with standing water are locations where mosquitoes will lay eggs and breed. Tipping out water twice a week from planters and basins around the house and yard as well as keeping gutters cleaned and properly drained can prevent Mosquito problems. Drain or treat areas of larger standing water with larvicides (Mosquito Dunks or Mosquito Torpedoes) available at home improvement stores.

2) Dawn and dusk are the times of day that mosquitoes are most active. Avoid outdoor activity at these times.

3) Dress appropriately when outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are most active. Wear long sleeves, pants, shoes and socks, and clothing that is tightly woven to prevent mosquitoes from coming in contact with your skin. There are pesticides that are specifically developed for safe use on clothing that are very effective.

4) Use insect repellant with an EPA-approved active ingredient such as DEET on exposed skin. Always follow the directions on the package for safest and most effective use. Do not use concentrated DEET on infants or pets. For children, use repellants sparingly and only use those that contain 10% DEET or less.

“The best prevention for West Nile Virus is to control the breeding sites of the Southern House Mosquito. This is accomplished by reducing standing water. Drain breeding sites such as clogged gutters, old buckets, swimming pools, clay jars, and dog feeding dishes. Almost anything that will hold water can breed mosquitoes,” said Dr. Mike Womack “Less than a tablespoon of standing water is enough to produce hundreds of mosquitoes in a very short time.”

Products containing Permethrin can be used to treat clothing, tents, and other equipment using manufacturer specific recommendations. These products are often available in stores that also sell sporting goods. Equine owners are encouraged to have horses vaccinated against Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). District 4 Public Health currently has no confirmed cases of WNV, EEE, or SLE. In 2006 there were nine confirmed WNV cases of human infection in Georgia, including one death and one fatal confirmed case of EEE human infection in Georgia.

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