The West Umatilla Mosquito Control District will conduct targeted aerial mosquito control spraying after sunset Monday, July 24.
The agency states the spraying would occur the following day if weather caused a cancellation.
According to the agency, 10,240 acres will be targeted in areas east of Hermiston with high vector mosquito populations. A vector is an insect or animal that transmits a disease to other animals or humans.
The target area includes the Diagonal Road area between Ott Road and the Highway 730 junction and portions of Power City and Hat Rock.
No areas within city limits are scheduled for aerial spraying, according to the agency.\
With recent triple-digit temperatures across the region, mosquito activity has increased, causing ideal conditions for increased West Nile virus transmission, according to the WUMCD. No confirmed West Nile virus cases in mosquitoes have been reported in Umatilla County but that could change, the agency reported.
Although the virus can be detected anywhere, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, Jackson, Baker and Union counties typically see elevated activity each year, the WUMCD stated, adding that Malheur and Jackson counties, as well as Yakima County in Washington state, have recently reported West Nile virus activity in mosquitoes.
The agency is collecting and testing mosquito and bird samples for the presence of West Nile virus and expects to begin seeing activity at any time. Some 60 mosquito samples are being evaluated for the virus at the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University in Corvallis.
West Nile virus is primarily a bird disease, and some birds, including magpies, blue jays and crows are susceptible, according to the agency. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on an infected bird and can pass the virus to humans, horses or other hosts when they bite. Residents are encouraged to alert district officials when they encounter dead birds, so the district can track the spread of the virus.
West Nile virus risk is low, but people are encouraged to take precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites. According to the WUMCD, most people who become infected 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. In rare cases, West Nile may cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. Individuals with severe or unusual headaches should seek medical care as soon as possible.
The WUMCD offered the following tips regarding protection from mosquitoes and the diseases they can carry:
• Get rid of old tires and containers where water accumulates and serves as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
• Flush or replace water in horse troughs weekly.
• Add mosquitofish to ornamental ponds or flush ponds.
• Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in mosquito-infested areas.
• Use mosquito repellents containing DEET and follow container directions.
• Add or use screen doors and windows.
• Report mosquito infestations and dead bird sightings to the WUMCD at 541-567-5201.
Because horses also are at risk for West Nile virus, health officials encourage horse owners to check with veterinarians for vaccination. Veterinarians can arrange for testing of samples from horses suspected of infection.
For updates on West Nile virus in Umatilla County, visit shorturl.at/qtwK0.
