The West Umatilla Mosquito Control District continues to conduct targeted aerial mosquito control spraying, with a twin engine airplane scheduled after sunset on Monday, Aug. 17. The applications are intended to protect the public against mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in several areas of Western Umatilla County. A total of about 20,000 acres were in the target area that includes the Diagonal Road area between east Townsend Road and the Hwy 730 Junction, portions of the Power Line Road area, and the Power City area.
The airplanes spray Dibrom, an organophosphate based insecticide, at the rate of 0 .7 ounces per acre. The spray rate is 50% below the amount approved for safe application by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and would not have an adverse effects to ornamental ponds or plant life. Dibrom is an insecticide used throughout the United Stated for mosquito control.
The district now has seven confirmed positive samples and is awaiting word on three more that were collected Thursday and sent to the Oregon State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Corvallis Oregon for confirmation. The confirmed positive samples have been collected from the Spearman Road area, the Wanaket Wildlife area, on Country Lane, and also in the Power City area .
Residents in the district can expect to see an increase in mosquito control operations for the rest of the mosquito season or until about mid September in areas that continue to have positive samples. Ultra Low Volume (ULV) applications of insecticides from aircraft and truck mounted sprayers will be used to reduce mosquito populations in areas that are infested. These applications will typically be made after sunset when mosquitoes are most active. All applicators are licensed by the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
West Nile is primarily a disease of humans, bird and horses. Some birds, including magpies, blue jays and crows are especially susceptible. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on an infected bird and can pass the virus to humans, horses or other hosts when they bite. The public is encouraged to continue to alert district officials when they come across dead birds, so the district can track the spread of the virus.
The risk of West Nile is low but people are encouraged to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites. Most people who become infected with West Nile Virus do not become ill. Some may develop mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, and occasionally swollen lymph glands or a rash. Most infected people will show little or no signs of disease. About 1 in 5 infected people may show signs of West Nile fever.
People at risk include those individuals over 50 years of age, people with immune compromising conditions, or those people with diabetes and high blood pressure. Symptoms may include fever above 100ºF AND severe headache, stiff neck, mental confusion, muscle weakness, shaking, paralysis, or rash. It is important that you contact your health care provider if you experience any of these symptoms. The fever syndrome may last from a few days to several weeks. The incubation period is usually 2-14 days. Residents of the district should remain vigilant in protecting themselves from mosquitoes and the diseases that they can carry, such as West Nile virus.
Here are some suggestions to reduce the risk of exposure to West Nile:
- Get rid of old tires and other containers where water can accumulate and serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
- Flush or replace the water in horse troughs weekly.
- Be sure to flush or add mosquito fish to ornamental ponds.
- Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in mosquito infested areas.
- Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, making sure to follow the directions on the container.
- Screen doors and windows.
- Report mosquito infestations and dead bird sightings to the West Umatilla Mosquito Control District (541) 567-5201
Because horses are also at risk for West Nile, health officials encourage horse owners to check with their veterinarians for vaccination. Veterinarians can arrange for testing of samples from horses suspected of infection with West Nile virus.
For more information please contact the West Umatilla Mosquito Control District at 567-5201 or visit the website at www.wumcd.org
