Press release from the Fort Wayne-Allen County Health Department:
More mosquito spraying scheduled this week
(August 30, 2010) – The Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health will conduct targeted spraying this week in a half-mile radius around eight areas where mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile virus.
Vector crews will spray Tuesday around the 2600 block of Ardmore Avenue, the 1400 block of Park Avenue, and the 2100 block of Forest Park Boulevard, all in Wayne Township, and the 6800 block of Chadwick Avenue in Adams Township.
Additional spraying will occur Wednesday in a half-mile radius around the 200 block of Dunbar Lane the 5600 block of Smith Street, and the 4900 block of Indiana Avenue in Wayne Township, as a result of West Nile virus activity in mosquitoes in those areas. For the third week in a row, the department will also spray around the 4600 block of Highwood Drive in St. Joe Township.
Maps of the proposed spray areas are available on the department’s Web site at www.allencountyhealth.com. Spraying will begin at approximately 8:15 p.m. both nights, weather permitting. Spraying will not occur when the temperature is below 55 °F, wind speeds exceed 10 mph or it is raining.
Mosquitoes can carry diseases such as 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.
So far in 2010, the health department has tested 248 mosquito samples and 35 have been positive for West Nile virus. There have been no confirmed human cases in Allen County.
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
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