WEST NILE VIRUS mosquitoes detected IN eight New Zip Codes

MEMPHIS, Tenn. –  The Memphis and Shelby County Health Department has received confirmation of mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus within eight new zip codes: 38016, 38111, 38114, 38115, 38119, 38125, 38126, and 38134.

Since April, the Health Department has treated (applied larvicides) to standing bodies of water in these zip codes. These actions are consistent with the Health Department’s efforts to be proactive in decreasing the adult mosquito population.  Larviciding is the practice of applying an Environmental Protection Agency registered insecticide to areas where mosquito breeding has been confirmed.

As an additional precaution, the Health Department will conduct truck-mounted spraying (adulticiding) of EPA-registered insecticides from 8-11 p.m. on the following days and in the following zip codes:

Ø      Tuesday, August 18, in portions of 38109 and 38116

Ø      Wednesday, August 19, in portions of 38002, 38108, 38111, 38117, 38120, 38122, 38128, 38133, 38134, and 38135

Residents who do not want their residences to be sprayed should contact the Health Department’s Vector Control unit at 901.324.5547.  However, this is just one step to control mosquito populations. Citizens are also encouraged to be vigilant. For example, citizens should:

Ø      Use DEET-containing mosquito repellants according to label directions. This is also recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.

Ø      Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs. Citizens are asked to check their property for objects that collect rainwater and either drain or dispose of the water.

Ø      Install or repair window and door screens.

Ø      Empty, clean and refill birdbaths and small wading pools weekly.

Ø      Repair failed septic systems.

Ø      Repair leaky outside faucets.

Ø      Clean rain gutters and downspouts.

Evidence of West Nile virus has been ongoing in Shelby County since 2001. Most human cases of West Nile in Shelby County have been identified in August and September. Thus far this season, one human case of West Nile virus has been identified in Shelby County. Outbreaks usually decline in October. Dogs and cats appear to not be susceptible to West Nile virus.