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 fall months. In fact, DHR - Division of Public Health (DPH) has recently confirmed the first case of West Nile Virus for the 2006 season in a resident from Dougherty County. The season for West Nile Virus begins in early summer but can last well into the fall.

District 4 Public Health works to protect residents against mosquito-borne viruses through Arboviral surveillance. Mosquito traps are set, in permanent and semi-permanent water areas, and collected Monday through Thursday beginning in early summer and lasting until mid-fall. “We are looking for select species of mosquitoes that are known to carry viruses,” said Kevin Green, District 4 environmentalist. “Once mosquitoes are trapped they are sent to the University of Georgia’s Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study for testing. If they are found to carry any potentially dangerous viruses we are notified immediately.” This type of surveillance allows public health to notify residents of an increased risk in the area.

Locations for setting traps are identified using known breeding areas, complaints from residents about standing water and problems with mosquitoes, and/or dead bird calls. Calls are logged and mapped using GIS to determine placement of the mosquito traps.

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. Drain or treat standing water with larvicides (Mosquito Dunks or Mosquito Torpedoes) available at home improvement stores. 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.

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.

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

“I encourage everyone to walk their property and get rid of standing water. Please think creatively about the types of containers that will hold water for example, gutters and folds of swimming pools are not thought of as a typical container.” said Green. “Less than an inch of standing water is enough to produce hundreds of mosquitoes in a very short time. The best way to prevent mosquitoes is to remove their habitat.”

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 2005, District 4 Public Health had no confirmed cases of WNV, EEE, or SLE. In 2005, Georgia reported 24 human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) infection, including two fatal cases.

District 4 Public Health serves Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Henry, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup, and Upson Counties.

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