Animals Test Positive for West Nive Virus in Cobb County

Animals Test Positive for West Nive Virus in Cobb County
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Two animals have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) in Cobb County. In light of these recent cases, Cobb & Douglas Public Health officials want to remind residents to take the necessary measures to protect themselves and their families from WNV.

While many people who are infected with WNV do not have symptoms, others may experience mild or flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands, and rash. Serious complications may occur in extremely rare cases.

“These cases reinforce the need for all of us to be vigilant in applying preventive measures to help control mosquito breeding. Everyone can help by doing simple things to ensure their own backyard is not a breeding ground for mosquitoes,” said Jack Kennedy, M.D., District Health Director, Cobb & Douglas Public Health. “Practicing prevention techniques that control mosquito breeding, coupled with applying personal protection techniques, has proven effective in reducing incidents of West Nile virus infection,” he said.

It is extremely important for residents to eliminate mosquito breeding areas and take measures to protect themselves from bites. Here are some tips to protect and reduce mosquito populations on property:

Protect yourself:

  • Wear long pants, long sleeved shirts, and socks when outside
  • Use insect repellants containing DEET (Read the label carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not use DEET on infants or pregnant women)
  • Make sure open doors and windows have tight fitting screens that are in good repair
  • Reduce your time outdoors when mosquitoes are most active
  • Use commercially available mosquito foggers and barrier sprays

Eliminating breeding sites:

  • Dispose of cans, tires, bottles, jars, buckets, drums, pots and any other containers that may collect water
  • Clean clogged gutters and make sure the water exiting from downspouts does not pond
  • Change the water in bird baths twice a week
  • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor spas, and hot tubs. If they are not in use, keep them empty and covered (make sure water does not collect on the cover)
  • Empty your pets water bowl daily if it is kept outdoors
  • Eliminate weeds, tall grass, and other mosquito resting places
  • Move air conditioning drain hoses frequently
  • Screen or cover rain barrels
  • Store wheelbarrows, buckets, tubs, and barrels upside down so that water cannot accumulate inside them
  • Use larvicide pellets when standing water cannot be removed. These pellets kill mosquito larvae before they become biting adults.
  • Remind neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their property

Though pesticides are used to control adult mosquitoes, they are not the most effective way to control the population. In Georgia, mosquitoes can be active at just about any time of the day. Pesticide spraying will only affect the mosquitoes that are out at the time the pesticide is applied, leaving the inactive adult population unharmed. By eliminating or larvicidng breeding sites, mosquitoes can be greatly reduced since their larvae are highly concentrated and restricted to standing water habitats.

Given the high number of vacant and unmaintained properties, public health officials want residents to know that Cobb and Douglas Public Health Center for Environmental Health is available to assist in remedying these problems. If residents are having problems with mosquitoes, they should contact Cobb County office at 770-435-7815 or Douglas County Office at 770-920-7311.

“By working together, we can all make an impact on controlling mosquitoes in Cobb and Douglas County,” said Dr. Kennedy.