DeKalb Public Health announced on September 23, 2026 that a total of fourteen mosquito traps across DeKalb County have tested positive for West Nile virus. The update raises the count of confirmed positive traps in the metro Atlanta area to fourteen, according to the county’s latest surveillance data.
The positive results come from additional traps that were placed as part of the ongoing monitoring program overseen by DeKalb Public Health. The program routinely checks captured mosquitoes for the presence of West Nile virus, a disease transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Each positive trap indicates that the virus is present in the local mosquito population and that the risk to residents may be elevated.
Health officials in DeKalb County use the trap data to gauge the level of viral activity and to guide public health messaging. When the number of positive traps rises, the department typically intensifies mosquito control efforts, such as targeted larvicide applications and adulticide treatments, to reduce the population of infected insects. The agency also advises the public on personal protection measures, including wearing long sleeves, using EPA-registered repellents, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed.
West Nile virus has been monitored in Georgia for several years, and the presence of the virus in mosquito traps does not automatically translate into human cases. However, the detection of the virus in fourteen separate locations underscores the importance of continued vigilance. Residents of DeKalb County are encouraged to stay informed through official health alerts and to follow recommended precautions during the peak mosquito season.
The latest report reflects the county’s commitment to transparent disease surveillance and proactive vector control. By tracking and publishing trap results, DeKalb Public Health aims to keep the community aware of potential health threats and to mitigate the spread of West Nile virus throughout the region.