Fulton County sprays for mosquitoes to prevent Zika virus

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - Fulton County began spraying to control mosquito growth and prevent the mosquito-borne Zika virus from taking hold in metro Atlanta.

The aggressive plan of action is being carried out by contractors on bikes with backpacks full of insect repellent. They are traveling from Milton to Chattahoochee Hills to keep residents safe. Health officials have also placed 12,000 mosquito traps throughout Georgia's most populated county.

The good news, to-date, no infections have occurred in Georgia. Health officials and county government would like to keep it that way.

Fulton County Commission Chairman John Eaves said we had a representative at the White House a month ago to strategize and create a plan of action.

"We are being very aggressive, in terms of spraying in the high-risk areas, places where there is a lot of water and a high concentration of people," Chairman Eaves said.

There have been 13 reported travel-related Zika cases in Georgia; six of those are in Fulton County. In every case, the resident has traveled abroad where the virus is prevalent and brought it back to the metro area.

Chairman Eaves said residents must do their part to control the mosquitos in the area.

“We want people to get rid of standing water or wear long sleeves and of course use mosquito repellent with Deet in it,” said Eaves.

Chairman Eaves said the county will likely spend $500,000 to combat any cases here.

To report issues with mosquitoes or standing water, residents can call the Fulton County Environmental Services Hotline at 404-613-1303.