News release from the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health:
West Nile virus detection prompts more mosquito spraying
(August 15, 2011) – Mosquitoes collected at nine different sites in Allen County have tested positive for West Nile virus, and the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health will conduct targeted spraying in those areas this week.
Spraying will occur Tuesday, August 16 in a half-mile radius around the following locations:
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[li]25300 block of Worden Road, Scipio Township[/li]
[li]18600 block of Antwerp Road, Springfield Township[/li]
[li]12400 block of Parent Road , Milan Township[/li]
[li]21800 block of N. State Road 101, Maumee Township[/li]
[li]2800 block of Barnhart Avenue, St. Joe Township[/li]
[li]3700 block of Ferndale Drive, St. Joe Township[/li]
[/list]Additional spraying will occur on Wednesday, August 17 in a half-mile radius around the following locations:
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[li]6400 block of Squires Place, St. Joe Township[/li]
[li]5200 block of Forest Grove Drive, St. Joe Township[/li]
[li]6200 block of Justin Court, St. Joe Township[/li]
[/list]Maps of the proposed spray areas are available on the department’s Web site at www.allencountyhealth.com. Spraying will begin on both nights at approximately 8:45 p.m., 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 2011, 256 mosquito samples in Allen County have been tested and 15 have been positive for West Nile virus. There have been no human cases reported in Allen County this year.
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 also encouraged to prevent mosquito bites by wearing pants and long-sleeved shirts and by using an insect repellent with DEET.
To sign up to receive mosquito spraying alerts, visit www.allencountyhealth.com or go to www.nixle.com.
West Nile Virus prevention measures
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[li]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.[/li]
[li]Limit time spent outdoors during peak mosquito biting times.[/li]
[li]Wear loose, light-colored, long sleeves and pants.[/li]
[li]Apply an insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 to clothing and exposed skin[/li]
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