A mosquito. Photo illustration. Source: Wikimedia commons

The Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness reports that mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile Virus.

According to an advisory from the Health Department, tests detected the virus in the following locations:

– Grove Park—709 Hortense Place, Atlanta

– Midtown along the Beltline near Old Fourth Ward Skate Park

– Perkerson Park—770 Deckner Ave SW, Atlanta

– Washington Park—101 Ollie St NW, Atlanta.

The Health Department is using larvacide in catch basins and other mosquito breeding grounds. Officials are also advising residents in the affected areas to eliminate any standing water around their homes.

The Health Department also suggests residents:

 Limit outdoor activity at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active;
 Dress appropriately when outdoors for long periods;
 Use insect repellant with an EPA-approved active ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin or Oil
of Lemon Eucalyptus;
 Remove standing water or treat it with a larvacide to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs;
 Dump containers such as recycling bins, empty flower pots and other containers that may
collect water ; and
 Change water in birdbaths or small wading pools at least once a week.

According to the Health Department, most people who are bitten by an infected mosquito don’t get sick and the virus poses the greatest risk to people who have other health problems. The press release says, “Fewer than 1 percent of people infected with West Nile Virus become ill. Those who do get sick often suffer a mild flu-like illness and recover without treatment.”