Press release from the Fort Wayne-Allen County Health Department:
Health department to conduct mosquito spraying Tuesday
Mosquitoes collected near the 5400 block of Smith Street have again tested positive for West Nile virus, and the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health will conduct targeted spraying in the area on Tuesday.
Spraying will begin at approximately 8 p.m., weather permitting. Spraying will not occur when the temperature is below 55 °F, wind speeds exceed 10 mph or it is raining. A map of the proposed spray area is included with this release and available on the department’s Web site at www.allencountyhealth.com.
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.
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 disease. Spraying for adult mosquitoes, also known as adulticiding, is only performed when samples test positive for the West Nile virus.
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.
So far in 2010, 299 mosquito samples in Allen County have been tested and 51 have been positive for West Nile virus. There have been two human cases reported in Allen County.
For more information or to sign up to receive mosquito spraying alerts, 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 clothing, pants and long sleeve shirts.
- Apply an insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 to clothing and exposed skin.
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