Zika Virus In Atlanta, Georgia

The state of Georgia has declared a state of emergency, and health officials here in Georgia have confirmed the first case of Zika virus in our state. So, what does that mean for you? Here are a list of common questions the website www.everydayhealth.com has received from the public.

How is Zika coming into the United States? If you look at a map of the Zika virus hitting states like Georgia and Tennessee, you will quickly see that they are separated. This means that the Zika virus has not yet started to spread county to county. It is currently coming into the United States by infected individuals who have traveled from other countries where Zika is present.

Can I catch Zika virus in Atlanta? This is a complicated question. Right now according to this article from www.everydayhealth.com, your chances of getting Zika virus are extremely low. But, when temperatures warm up and more rainstorms come, there may be a much higher risk. So what can you do to reduce your chances of contracting Zika when the rains do come? Here are a few mosquito prevention tips you can implement around your property:

  • Cut back trees and shrubs around your yard
  • Eliminate areas of standing, stagnant water, which are mosquito breeding grounds
  • Fix leaky AC units and outdoor plumbing
  • Change water frequently in bird baths

How does Zika spread in Georgia? Zika is known to spread by mosquito and suspected to also be transmitted sexually. When mosquito season arrives, more precautions will need to be taken to prevent the spread of this virus. Personal precautions include:

  • Schedule outdoor events during the middle of the day, avoiding dawn and dusk, which is when mosquitoes are most active
  • Use an insect repellent containing DEET when spending time outdoors
  • If possible, weather permitting, wear long sleeves and pants

Do I have to worry about Zika virus in Georgia? We are currently in the “wait and see” stage. As more Zika infected people enter the country and we head into mosquito season here in Georgia, we’ll have to watch and see if the mosquitoes here in our state begin to spread the disease locally. This will be most evident when we see cases of infection moving from county to county. But, here in Atlanta, where many travelers fly in from all over the world, it is best to take greater precautions to protect against mosquitoes this year, no matter what, especially if you’re pregnant.

The most effective way to prevent county to county spread of any mosquito-borne virus is through professional mosquito management efforts. If you need mosquito control for your home or business, reach out to us. Together, we can reduce the impact of this potentially dangerous virus.