CDC: West Nile Oubreak May Be Biggest in US History

The Centers for Disease Control announced Wednesday that the current outbreak of  West Nile Virus is the largest ever seen in the United States.

Fourteen cases of West Nile infection in Georgia have been reported to the CDC so far this year. None of these human cases have been fatal.

Nationally, 1,118 human cases have been reported in 2012 with the CDC recording 41 deaths so far.

Mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile were found in Buckhead earlier this month.

The infected mosquito was caught in a trap at on Pharr Road, according to the Fulton County Department of Health Services.

West Nile was also found in the Buckhead area in 2011.

To reduce exposure to mosquitoes and to reduce the risk of West Nile Virus, Fulton County Health Services offer these tips:

• Limit outdoor activity at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active and 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. Always follow the directions on the package for the safest and most effective use.
• Remove standing water or treat it with a larvicide to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.
• Dump containers such as recycling bins, empty flowerpots and other containers that may collect water.
• Change water in birdbaths or small wading pools at least once a week.

For more information on West Nile Virus and prevention methods, call the Mosquito Hotline: 404-730-5296 or contact the Fulton County Health Services, Division of Environmental Health at (404) 613-1301, or, you can log-on to www.fultoncountygahealth.org.