News Releases > More mosquito spraying scheduled this week

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Aug. 8, 2011) – The Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health will conduct targeted spraying this week in an area where mosquito samples again tested positive for West Nile virus. 

Vector crews will spray Tuesday in a half-mile radius around the 5000 block of Webster Street in Wayne Township. The department also sprayed the area last week as part of its ongoing efforts to control mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus.

A map of the proposed spray area is included with this release and available on the department’s Web site at www.allencountyhealth.com. Spraying will begin 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, the health department has tested 205 mosquito samples and 7 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.

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

To receive mosquito spraying notifications by email, visit www.allencountyhealth.com. Residents can also sign up for email and text message alerts at www.nixle.com.