SOUTH FULTON, GA — All organized outdoor activities, practices and programs at Old National Park remain suspended after a batch of mosquitoes collected in the area tested positive for West Nile virus.
The park was initially expected to reopen for outdoor activities Thursday, Aug. 13, but the City of South Fulton has extended the suspension until further notice.
The Fulton County Health Department discovered the positive batch during routine testing earlier this week. The county is treating the park, and health officials want to collect additional samples.
City leaders say the continued suspension is a precautionary measure.
Health officials routinely test for West Nile virus during the summer months, and no human cases have been reported.
Area residents are encouraged to use insect repellent and eliminate standing water, which is a common breeding ground for mosquitoes.
For most people who are infected, symptoms are brief and fairly mild, but West Nile virus can be life-threatening in isolated cases. The risk is higher among older adults.
WSB Radio’s Michelle Wright contributed to this story.