Georgia Coastal Health District

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. West Nile Virus (WNV) has also been detected in mosquitoes in Chatham County. It’s shaping up to be an active mosquito season and continued precautions to prevent mosquito breeding and bites are encouraged.

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 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 mosquito-borne diseases click HERE or go to mosquitocontrol.chathamcounty.org.

Chatham County Mosquito Control has confirmed that a sampling of mosquitoes collected in southeast Chatham County has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV).  This indicates that WNV is actively circulating in local mosquito populations this year.  Mosquito control personnel are surveying all areas of Chatham County and scheduling control operations as required. No human cases of WNV have been confirmed in any Coastal Health District counties, including Chatham.

WNV is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes and can cause mild to serious illness. Mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus are more likely to bite during the evening, night, and early morning. The Chatham County Health Department and Chatham County Mosquito Control urge residents to take appropriate precautions now and throughout the summer to minimize mosquitoes around their property.

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. Tip ‘n Toss containers after every rain and at least once a week. Dump out standing water in flowerpots and planters, children’s toys, pet dishes. In addition, clean out gutters, remove piles of leaves, and keep vegetation cut low to prevent landing sites for adult mosquitoes. By helping to limit potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes, every resident can contribute to reducing the nuisance caused by mosquitoes and stop the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases.

Residents are always encouraged to follow the 5Ds of mosquito bite prevention:

Dusk/Dawn – Avoid dusk and dawn activities during the summer when mosquitoes are most active.
Dress – Wear loose-fitting, long sleeved shirts and pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin.
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 – buckets, barrels, flower pots, tarps – because they are 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.

Chatham County Mosquito Control is actively treating all areas of Chatham County for mosquitoes. Residents should expect to see Mosquito Control’s low flying, yellow helicopters on a regular basis throughout the county.

July 12 UPDATE

Chatham County Mosquito Control has identified positive West Nile Virus (WNV) mosquito samples in east Savannah and the Islands area. This is in addition to the positive samples identified last week in southeast Chatham County. Chatham County Mosquito Control will increase abatement efforts and public health’s message remains the same: We encourage residents to prevent mosquito breeding and mosquito bites.

After every rainfall – or at least once a week –  tip out water in flowerpots, planters, children’s toys, wading pools, buckets and anything else around your yard that can hold water. If it holds water and you don’t need it (old tires, bottles, cans), toss it out.
Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing 20%-30% DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus when outdoors.
Other tips:

• Clean out gutters.
• Remove piles of leaves.
• Tightly cover water storage containers (buckets, cisterns, rain barrels) so that mosquitoes cannot get inside to lay eggs.
• Keep vegetation cut low to prevent landing sites for adult mosquitoes.
• Homeowners associations and neighborhoods are encouraged to sponsor community cleanup days.
• Make sure to keep doors shut and cover windows with screens. Repair or replace any screens with holes in them.

The Chatham County Health Department midtown location at 1602 Drayton Street will reopen on Wednesday, July 5, after being closed for a year while much needed enhancements were made to the building. All public health services will available when the doors open at 8 a.m. on July 5.

The facility has been completely reconstructed to improve patient flow. New furniture and fixtures are also now in place and a new phone system, security system, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system have been installed.

“The midtown location was long overdue for a facelift but this goes beyond basic aesthetics,” said Chatham County Health Department Administrator, Randy McCall. “The choices we made during the reconstruction process helped improve efficiencies that will ultimately benefit our clients.”

The project was funded by Chatham County Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), the Chatham County Health Department, and Women, Infants, and Children supplemental nutrition program.

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 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, July 24, at the Chatham County Health Department located at 1395 Eisenhower Drive.

Women who meet certain annual income guidelines and are 40-64 years of age without insurance will be eligible to receive a screening mammogram at no cost.

Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins will be accepted.

To make an appointment, please call 356-2946.