The DeKalb County Board of Health reports that a mosquito collection from a sampling station located near the Clifton Corridor area has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). While the potential for WNV transmission exists throughout the metro area, this WNV positive collection does indicate a higher risk at this time in the Emory/Wesley Woods/Clifton Corridor area. 

The DeKalb County Environmental Health Department offers the following prevention tips:

• Apply insect repellent. DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are effective repellents recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More information on West Nile Virus.
• Wear long sleeves, long pants and socks, when possible. Clothing may also be treated with permethrin.
• Use extra care when mosquitoes are most active. The mosquitoes that are most likely to carry West Nile virus are more active from dusk to dawn.

The DeKalb County Board of Health is aggressively working to prevent West Nile virus transmission. Program technicians will be providing additional mosquito control services in the area.   

In addition, Emory Facilities Management is checking containers and other removable breeding sites, which may hold water.  As a standard precaution at this time of year, DeKalb County also encourages everyone to check around their apartments and homes for the following:  

• Flowerpot saucers are one location where mosquito larvae are often found.
• Some items such as birdbaths can be dumped and rinsed twice a week, but do need continual attention.
• Magnolia leaves should be raked up or shredded to keep them from holding water.
• Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly.

Requests for a mosquito assessment for your DeKalb County home can be reported to the Division of Environmental Health at 404-508-7900 or www.dekalbhealth.net.