Fulton County confirmed its first West Nile virus-positive mosquito trap of 2026 on July 8, and the CDC says the national season is running nearly five times ahead of its historical pace. Sandy Springs, served by the Fulton County Board of Health for mosquito surveillance and control, falls under the same countywide prevention guidance.
The positive trap was found in the Grant Park neighborhood of Atlanta. No Sandy Springs traps have tested positive so far, but the county's Environmental Health division is urging all Fulton County residents to take precautions.
CDC reports earliest active season since 2004
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed at least 48 West Nile cases nationally as of June 30, including 38 cases of severe neuroinvasive disease. The historical average by the end of June is about 10 cases. Twenty-three states had reported West Nile activity by late June, the highest number at that point in the season in a decade, according to the CDC.
West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the contiguous United States, causing several thousand infections and about 100 deaths in an average year. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment.
The county's '5Ds' prevention framework
The Fulton County Board of Health promotes five steps residents can take:
- Dusk/Dawn — Avoid outdoor activity at peak mosquito hours around sunrise and sunset.
- Dress — Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- DEET — Apply insect repellent containing DEET to exposed skin.
- Drain — Empty containers holding standing water, including buckets, flowerpots, barrels, and tarps.
- Doors — Make sure doors and windows fit tightly and repair torn screens. Trim overgrown grass or weeds near the home.
Who faces the greatest risk
Most people infected with West Nile never develop symptoms. About one in five experience fever, headaches, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. Fewer than 1% develop severe neurological illness. Adults 60 and older and people with weakened immune systems face the greatest risk of serious complications.
County response
When infected mosquitoes are found, the Board of Health works with a mosquito control vendor to eliminate the pests and sends staff into surrounding neighborhoods to educate residents, according to the county's July 8 announcement. Deputy Director Chris Kumnick discussed the threat and prevention steps in a segment on Fulton County Government Television published Thursday, July 23.
Residents with questions can reach the Fulton County Board of Health at 770-520-7500.
