What to Know About West Nile Virus After Park Closure
CHA said one in five infected people develop fever and other symptoms, and less than 1% develop serious neurologic illness.
- On Wednesday, the Cabarrus Health Alliance reported West Nile virus was detected in mosquito pools collected by Environmental Health staff during July, signaling increased viral activity in the region.
- Infectious disease specialists attribute the early rise in WNV detections to warmer weather nationwide, which accelerates the mosquito life cycle, while drought conditions in Georgia have forced mosquitoes to congregate near remaining water sources.
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , roughly 80% of infected individuals remain asymptomatic, while one in five develop mild flu-like symptoms; officials emphasize using EPA-registered insect repellents and eliminating standing water.
- South Fulton leaders suspended outdoor activities at Old National Park on Tuesday and Wednesday following positive mosquito tests, while the Guilford County Division of Public Health issued a warning encouraging residents to take precautions as activity increases.
- Peak transmission typically occurs during late summer and early fall, prompting health officials to maintain surveillance throughout the season; with no human vaccine available, experts stress that consistent preventative habits remain the primary defense against potential neuroinvasive illness.
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12 Articles
Five cases of equine infection with the "West Nile" virus are now confirmed in the Gard, this Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The horses concerned are in close proximity to wetlands, especially in the Camargue and the Rhodanian Gard. If no human cases have been detected to date in the department, the authorities call for vigilance.
What to know about West Nile virus after park closure
West Nile virus surveillance detected infected mosquitoes in South Fulton, leading to a precautionary park closure and planned spraying efforts. Officials emphasize prevention amid a record-early and expanding mosquito breeding season driven by drought conditions in Georgia and other states.
Old National Park closes after mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus, Fulton health officials say
The City of South Fulton says Old National Park will remain closed while Fulton County health officials treat the area and evaluate when it is safe to reopen.
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