Press release from the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health:
West Nile detection prompts more spraying
As part of its ongoing efforts to control mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus, the health department will conduct targeted spraying this week in several areas around the county.
Spraying will occur Tuesday in a half-mile radius around the 14000 block of Bainbridge Court and the 6500 block of Chase Creek Run in Aboite Township. On Tuesday, the department will also be spraying the 3000 block of Wayne Trace in Wayne Township for the third week in a row as a result of ongoing West Nile virus activity.
Additionally, vector control crews will be spraying again in a half-mile radius of 6000 block of Glenview Drive, the 2400 block of Buckhurst Run and the 4600 block of Highwood Drive in St. Joe Township on Wednesday as a result of ongoing West Nile virus activity in that area.
Maps of the proposed spray areas are included with this release and available on the department’s Web site at www.allencountyhealth.com.
Spraying will begin at approximately 8:15 p.m. each day, weather permitting. Spraying will not occur when the temperature is below 55 °F, wind speeds exceed 10 mph or it is raining.The City of New Haven will conduct its own mosquito spraying north of State Road 930 on Tuesday and south of State Road 930 on Wednesday, both nights beginning at 8:15 p.m. weather permitting. Residents of New Haven who have questions about the spraying should call (260) 748-7050.
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. A more severe form of the disease can lead to neurological disorders, coma and even death.
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, 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.
Get mosquito spraying notifications by email and text message – register at www.nixle.com