ATL Standard

ATLANTA – As summer unfolds in Georgia, outdoor activities such as picnics and barbeques are often accompanied by the presence of mosquitoes. Avoiding mosquito bites is crucial to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses and prevent the spread of disease within the state.

Mosquito-borne diseases are transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. These diseases include eastern equine encephalitis, West Nile virus, Zika virus, chikungunya virus, malaria, and dengue. 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.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a warning about an increased risk for dengue fever infections in the United States due to a record-breaking number of cases worldwide. While dengue is the most common mosquito-borne infection globally, most U.S. cases are linked to travel to regions with frequent or continuous transmission such as the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and parts of the Americas.

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) advises using EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET (20%-30%), Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. When applying sunscreen and insect repellent together, sunscreen should be applied first followed by insect repellent. Wearing light-colored clothing including loose-fitting long sleeves, pants, and socks can also help protect against mosquito bites.

Controlling the mosquito population effectively begins at home. After every rainfall or at least once a week, it is recommended to "Tip ‘n Toss" containers that hold water to eliminate breeding sites for mosquitoes. This includes tipping out standing water from flowerpots, planters, children’s toys, wading pools, and buckets. Disposing of items that collect water but are no longer needed (such as old tires or cans) can further reduce breeding grounds.

Ensuring doors and windows fit tightly and are in good repair helps keep mosquitoes outside. Since mosquitoes bite both day and night, it is important to use insect repellent whenever spending time outdoors.

For more information about mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit, visit dph.georgia.gov/mosquito-borne-viral-diseases or www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/index.html.