Mosquito Tests Positive For West Nile Virus In Atlanta’s Grant Park; Fulton County Board Of Health Advises Precautions

The Fulton County Board of Health has confirmed that mosquitoes trapped in Atlanta’s Grant Park neighborhood have tested positive for the West Nile virus. Health officials are urging locals to take preventative measures, as infected mosquitoes pose a serious risk.

During routine summer surveillance, environmental health staff recovered mosquito samples from traps near Grant Park. These positive tests confirm that the virus is actively circulating in the local mosquito population. In response, the county is partnering with pest control vendors to eliminate mosquitoes in the area and canvassing local neighborhoods to spread awareness.

Most people who are bitten by an infected mosquito will not show any symptoms, but mild flu-like symptoms (like fever, headaches, and body aches) can occur in some individuals. More severe neurological illnesses are rare, but it is important to be cautious.

Health experts advise residents to follow the “5 Ds of prevention” to keep mosquitoes at bay:

Dusk/Dawn: Avoid outdoor activities at these times, as this is when mosquitoes are most active.

Dress: Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants to cover exposed skin.

DEET: Apply an effective insect repellent containing DEET to any exposed skin.

Drain: Empty any standing water around your property—such as flowerpots, gutters, buckets, and birdbaths—to eliminate potential breeding grounds.

Doors: Check and repair window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.

County workers are currently conducting vector control operations within a half-mile radius of the trap locations. Residents can stay updated by visiting the Fulton County Board of Health and checking for further local health advisories.