DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Grab your bug spray! The DeKalb County Board of Health says it’s trapped several mosquitoes positive for West Nile virus. The positive mosquitoes were found in three parts of the county : Brookhaven, Chamblee and the Redan area of unincorporated DeKalb.
Normally, the DeKalb County Board of Health would go door-to-door to tell people who live in the area about their findings. But this year, because of COVID-19, the board is not able to do that.
Despite those challenges, the county says it’s not allowing COVID-19 to stop their fight against the disease. Crews are applying larvicide in low-lying areas and in the storm drains of the affected areas.
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There have been no human cases of West Nile virus confirmed in DeKalb County this year.
Mosquitoes that test positive for West Nile are not uncommon in north Georgia. DeKalb County has reported the same thing the past several years.
[2019: Mosquitoes in 11 areas in DeKalb County test positive for West Nile virus]
[2018: 1/3 of the mosquito traps in DeKalb County have tested positive for West Nile virus]
DeKalb County Board of Health released some advice to help reduce the spread of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses.
- Reduce mosquito breeding in your yard by eliminating standing water in gutters and items such as planters, toys, wheelbarrows and old tires.
- Discourage mosquitoes from resting in your yard by trimming tall grass, weeds and vines.
- Reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk, when the mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus are most active.
- Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly at dawn and dusk and in areas with large numbers of mosquitoes.
- Make sure window and door screens fit tightly to keep out mosquitoes.
- Use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. Apply according to label instructions.
- Spray clothing with products containing permethrin according to label instructions.
If you’re looking for more information, you can reach out to DeKalb County Board of Health’s Environmental Health Division at (404) 508-7900 or visit their website here.
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