West Nile Virus Spreading Faster in 2012 – Local Spraying for Mosquitoes Continues
For the first time in 8 years case of the West Nile virus are rising at an alarming rate. Across the country 28 people have lost their lives to the disease and hundred of people have fallen ill because of it.
The highest concentrations of West Nile are in Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas. Health experts say a mild winter and wet spring were perfect conditions for mosquito breeding. Now what’s driving the population numbers up are summer heat and pools of water that are a breeding ground for the insects.
The Vanderburg County Health Department will spray for mosquitoes to stop the spread of West Nile in the area bound by Washington Ave., S. Boeke Rd., Covert Ave., and S. Rothererwood Ave. on Thursday, August 16, in the evening.
On August 17, crews will spray in the area bound by Bellemeade Ave., S. Boeke Rd., Washington Ave., and S. Rothererwood Ave.
The best way to protect yourself from mosquitoes and the West Nile Virus during peak season is to
- Be Smart. Take special precautions when outdoors between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active;
- Be Safe. Use insect repellant containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Products containing DEET should not be used on infants <2 months of age and those containing Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus should not be used on infants <3 years of age; and
- Be Certain. Make sure your property is free of any standing water, which could be breeding grounds for the mosquitoes that carry disease such as West Nile Virus. Empty flowerpots, buckets, old tires, and clogged gutters. (provided by the VCHD)
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