Georgia Coastal Health District

Chatham County Mosquito Control has documented additional occurrences of the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus in the mosquito population in West Chatham County. EEE was detected in multiple areas of Chatham County in late May and again in June. EEE is a mosquito-borne virus that causes swelling of the brain and poses a significant risk to both horses and humans.

Horse and large animal owners are encouraged to vaccinate their animals against the virus and to clean out watering sources, such as buckets and troughs, every three to four days to prevent mosquitoes from breeding there. The primary mosquito that transmits EEE breeds in freshwater swamps. Residents are encouraged to use EPA-registered insect repellents containing 20%-30% DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus to protect themselves from mosquitoes. In addition, wearing light colored clothing with long sleeves, long pants, and socks can help prevent mosquito bites.

Chatham County Mosquito Control will continue to monitor EEE activity within the county and is taking measures to reduce the mosquito population by continuing to spray the affected areas. Residents are encouraged to help by keeping mosquitoes from breeding by getting rid of standing water around the home and in the yard. For containers without lids or that are too big to tip over or toss out (bird baths, garden pools), use larvicides such as Mosquito Dunks or Pre-Strike Mosquito Torpedoes and follow the label instructions. These larvicides will not harm birds or animals.

Residents are always encouraged to remember the 5 D’s of Prevention:

Dusk/Dawn – Mosquitoes usually bite at dusk and dawn, so avoid or limit outdoor activity at these times.
Dress – Wear loose-fitting, long sleeved shirts and pants to reduce the amount of exposed.
DEET – Cover exposed skin with an insect repellent containing the DEET, which is the most effective repellent against mosquito bites.
Drain – Empty any containers holding standing water because they are excellent breeding grounds for virus-carrying mosquitoes.
Doors – Make sure doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly, and fix torn or damaged screens to keep mosquitoes out of the house.

For more information on EEE: http://www.cdc.gov/EasternEquineEncephalitis/

Chatham County Mosquito Control has confirmed that Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has been detected in western Chatham County. Mosquito Control has subsequently conducted mosquito abatement activities in that area.

EEE is a mosquito-borne virus that causes swelling of the brain. In horses, it is fatal 70 to 90 percent of the time. Horse and large animal owners are encouraged to vaccinate their animals against the virus and to clean out watering sources, such as buckets and troughs, every three to four days to prevent mosquitoes from breeding there. The primary mosquito that transmits EEE breeds in freshwater swamps. No human cases of disease have been reported in Georgia this year; however, humans are susceptible to EEE.

EEE is one of several viruses that can be transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes including West Nile Virus, chikungunya, and Zika.

One of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of mosquito-borne viruses is controlling the mosquito population by eliminating standing water around the home and in the yard. In addition, clean out gutters, remove piles of leaves, and keep vegetation cut low to prevent landing sites for adult mosquitoes. For containers without lids or that are too big to tip over or toss out (bird baths, garden pools), use larvicides such as Mosquito Dunks or Pre-Strike Mosquito Torpedoes and follow the label instructions. These larvicides will not hurt birds or animals.

It is also important to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing 20%-30% DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Wear light colored clothing with long sleeves, long pants and socks to help prevent mosquito bites.

Residents are always encouraged to remember the 5 D’s of Prevention:

Dusk/Dawn – Mosquitoes usually bite at dusk and dawn, so avoid or limit outdoor activity at these times.
Dress – Wear loose-fitting, long sleeved shirts and pants to reduce the amount of exposed.
DEET – Cover exposed skin with an insect repellent containing the DEET, which is the most effective repellent against mosquito bites.
Drain – Empty any containers holding standing water because they are excellent breeding grounds for virus-carrying mosquitoes.
Doors – Make sure doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly, and fix torn or damaged screens to keep mosquitoes out of the house.
For more information on EEE: http://www.cdc.gov/EasternEquineEncephalitis/

For more information on Zika: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html

For more information on West Nile Virus: http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/

For more information on chikungunya: http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/

The Chatham County Health Department midtown site, located at 1602 Drayton Street, will be temporarily closed beginning Monday, June 27, while much needed enhancements are made to the building. The overhaul is expected to take about six months. Clients who normally use the midtown location for public health services will be asked to go to the Chatham County Health Department site at 1395 Eisenhower Drive until the midtown facility reopens. All public health services offered at the midtown site are also offered at the Eisenhower location.

The Chatham County Health Department’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP) is partnering with the St. Joseph’s/Candler Mobile Mammography Program to offer free mammograms from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18, at the Chatham County Health Department located at 1395 Eisenhower Drive. Women 40-64 years old without insurance whose annual income is not greater than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level are eligible.

Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins will be accepted. To make an appointment, call 819-6800.

The Chatham County Health Department located at 1395 Eisenhower Drive, will hold free eye, ear, dental, and nutrition screenings for Chatham County school students on three separate days this summer. Students entering a Georgia school for the first time – no matter what the grade level –  must have a completed Certificate of Vision, Hearing, Dental, and Nutrition screening form. “First time” means never enrolled in a Georgia school before at any time in their lives.

No appointment is necessary and students will be seen on a first come, first served basis. Normally a $30 fee applies when getting the screening at the health department so this is a great opportunity for parents and caregivers.  Immunizations will also be provided during those days for regular cost.

Free screenings will be offered:
1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Monday, May 23
1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Wednesday, June 15
8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Wednesday, July 20

For additional information, call the Chatham County Health Department at 356-2441.