UPDATE: ZIKA & WEST NILE VIRUS IN GEORGIA AND U.S.

Mosquito season in Georgia typically runs from May through September, and sometimes longer depending on the weather. While there are still concerns about Zika and the threat to pregnant women and their unborn children, especially for people who travel to areas where there are outbreaks of Zika virus, West Nile virus has been found in several locations around the state. So far, this year, there have been seven confirmed cases of West Nile virus in humans. August and September are peak months for West Nile virus.

While the mosquitoes that carry Zika and West Nile virus are different species, they all can be found in Georgia. The way to prevent the spread of illnesses carried by mosquitoes is to prevent mosquito bites, and to reduce the mosquito population around your home and yard. These mosquitoes breed in standing water so removing anything that holds water or dumping out standing water around the home will help reduce their number. Dr. Chris Rustin, Dir. Of Environmental Health DPH, is here to tell Georgians how they can help prevent the spread of these diseases.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESS IN GEORGIA:
An update on the current number of cases of Zika and West Nile Virus
What Georgia is doing to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne illness
How the Georgians can protect themselves and their families from Zika and West Nile
What is “Tip ‘n Toss”
Learn the risks associated with Zika virus, symptoms of West Nile virus and who is at risk

For More Information Visit: dph.georgia.gov

Related links:  GA Dept. of Public Health