A University of Georgia expert is urging area residents to get rid of standing pools of water to help prevent the spread of a potentially dangerous mosquito-borne illness.
Summer may be winding down, but the mosquito season in Athens is just gearing up. Recent surveillance conducted around Athens by the extension service shows large amounts of mosquito larvae. Large amounts of rain and standing water have caused mosquito populations to flourish. Entomologist Elmer Gray says these conditions are happening as we enter the peak season for West Nile Virus in Georgia.
“We have forgotten about West Nile Virus, it cycles up and down like most diseases, and this year they’re beginning to see a fair amount of activity,” according to Gray. “They’re finding mosquitoes that are transmitting the virus and there’s already been seven human cases, five of which were diagnosed in July.”
Gray says it’s important to get the message out now since the season is just getting underway.
“So it’s upon us and that’s really one of the reasons I wanted to get the word out for people to be aware that West Nile Virus is active. We have a lot of activities, football season is about to start, people will be out in the evenings and that’s a time when people need to beware.”
Peak season for West Nile Virus is now through September 15th. Gray says West Nile Virus is “endemic” in Georgia, which mean sit is always present at low levels.