News release from the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health:
Health department to spray for mosquitoes Tuesday
The Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health will be spraying for mosquitoes this week to help combat West Nile virus.
Vector control crews will spray Tuesday, August 2 in a half-mile radius around the 5000 block of Webster Street, the 1200 block of West Wayne Street and the 3600 block of Montagne Drive in Fort Wayne.
Maps of the proposed spray areas are available for download below and available on the department’s Web site at www.allencountyhealth.com.
Spraying will begin at approximately 8:45 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.
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.
The Department of Health’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.
Residents are encouraged to prevent mosquito bites by wearing pants and long-sleeved shirts and by using an insect repellent with DEET.
For more information or to sign up to receive mosquito spraying notifications, visit www.allencountyhealth.com.
Neighborhoods Affected by Mosquito Spraying
5000 Webster Street – download the map
Harrison Hill
Southwood Park
Fairfield Terrace
Lafayette Place1200 W. Wayne Street – download the map
Rockhill
Swinney3600 Montagne Drive – download the map
Eastland Gardens
Branning Hills
Trier Ridge Park
Crown Colony (SW Portion)
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