It’s summer in Georgia and along with it comes outdoor adventures, picnics, barbecues, and… mosquitoes.
The Georgia Department of Public Health is reminding individuals that avoiding mosquito bites protects you and your family from mosquito-borne illness and helps prevent the spread of disease in the state.
Mosquito-borne diseases are those spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, including eastern equine encephalitis, West Nile virus, Zika virus, chikungunya virus, malaria, and dengue.
To date, this year in Georgia, there has been one confirmed case of chikungunya, 20 confirmed cases of malaria, and 14 confirmed cases of dengue – all related to travel outside the United States.
Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned about an increased risk for dengue fever infections in the United States because of the record-breaking number of cases worldwide.
Dengue is the most common mosquito-borne infection, but most cases in the U.S. are associated with travel to areas such as the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and other locations with frequent or continuous dengue transmission.
The Georgia DPH recommends the use of EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
If you are using sunscreen, apply it first, followed by an insect repellent. Wear light-colored clothing, including loose-fitting long sleeve shirts, pants, and socks to help protect against mosquito bites.
One of the most effective ways of controlling the mosquito population starts in our yards. Tip ‘n Toss containers that hold water are breeding locations for mosquitoes.
After every rainfall or at least once a week, tip out standing water in flowerpots, planters, children’s toys, wading pools, and buckets. If it holds water and you do not need it (old tires, bottles, cans), toss it out.
Ensure doors and windows tightly fit and are in good repair to keep mosquitoes outside the home.
Mosquitoes bite day and night, so no matter what time, remember to use insect repellent to protect against bites.
For additional information about mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit, visit dph.georgia.gov/mosquito-borne-viral-diseases.