Press release from the Fort Wayne-Allen County Health Department:
More mosquito spraying set for Tuesday
(Aug. 2, 2010). – As part of its ongoing efforts to control mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health will conduct targeted spraying this week in two areas in the county.
Vector crews will spray Tuesday, Aug. 3 in a half-mile radius around the 9500 block of Mariners Ridge Drive and the 9500 block of Red Cloud Court in response to signs of West Nile virus activity. Maps of the proposed spray locations are posted on the department’s Web site.
Spraying will begin at approximately 8:30 p.m., weather permitting. Spraying will not occur when the temperature is below 55 °F, wind speeds exceed 10 mph or it is raining.
The area to be sprayed on Mariners Ridge Drive is south of Dunkelberg and Winchester roads near Wayne High School, and includes portions of Winchester Ridge, Ashton Pointe, Pheasant Run, and Winchester Heights neighborhoods. The other spray area is west of Leo and Amstutz roads in northern Allen County.
Mosquitoes can carry the West Nile virus which, when transmitted to humans, can cause symptoms such as fever, headaches, body aches, swollen lymph glands or a rash. In rare cases, the disease can lead to neurological disorders, coma and even death.
The health department’s mosquito control program focuses on eliminating potential breeding sites, larviciding to reduce the mosquito population, and placing traps to collect and test mosquitoes for West Nile virus. Spraying for adult mosquitoes, also known as adulticiding, is only performed when samples test positive for the disease.
While the pesticide used for mosquito control is an EPA-approved, low-volume concentration that is considered safe for humans and pets, it is suggested that residents remain indoors, bring pets inside, and close windows and doors while spraying is occurring.
For more information or to sign up to receive mosquito spraying notifications, visit www.allencountyhealth.com.
West Nile Virus prevention measures
- Check your property for breeding sites. Eliminate any sources of standing water. Clean out gutters and birdbaths. Properly dispose of tires. Maintain swimming pools and hot tubs.
- Limit time spent outdoors during peak mosquito biting times.
- Wear loose, light-colored, long sleeves and pants.
- Apply an insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 to clothing and exposed skin.
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