News Releases > West Nile virus activity prompts third mosquito spraying of the summer

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Aug. 17, 2009). – The Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health will be spraying for mosquitoes in a half-mile radius around the 1800 block of Laverne Avenue in response to signs of West Nile virus activity.

Spraying will begin Tuesday Aug. 18 at approximately 8:30 p.m., weather permitting. Spraying will not occur when the temperature is below 60 °F, wind speeds exceed 10 mph or it is raining. 

The area to be sprayed is located in St. Joseph and Adams townships and includes portions of Bellair, Brentwood Park, Kingston Park, Inwood Park and Maysville Heights neighborhoods, among others. A map of the proposed spray area is included with this release and available on the department’s Web site at www.allencountyhealth.com.

Certain species of mosquitoes 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 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.

Residents are also encouraged to prevent mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants and by using insect repellent.

For more information or to sign up to receive mosquito spraying notifications, visit www.allencountyhealth.com.

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