Residents of eastern Livermore area in Alameda County are witnessing increased West Nile virus activity, prompting the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District to take action against the adult mosquito population. Weather permitting, the district is set to spray the Evergreen ULV (5-25) Ground Public Health Insecticide using a truck-mounted ultra-low volume sprayer tonight, according to the district's Facebook page.
The spraying campaign will commence sometime after 10:30 pm and is expected to last for a few hours. The treatment area, which is limited, will be bordered by Patterson Pass Rd to the north, S Vasco Rd to the east, East Ave to the south, and N Mines Road to the west.
Livermore has already observed a number of West Nile virus-positive dead birds and two groups of positive mosquitoes in the treatment area. District General Manager Ryan Clausnitzer explains that a “quick and effective response by our team will suppress the mosquito population and lower the risk of residents contracting West Nile virus.”
Residents are encouraged to stay indoors during the spraying, as the insecticide will break down in sunlight. More information on spraying for adult mosquitoes can be found on the Mosquito Abatement District's website.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While most people infected with the virus experience mild or no symptoms, it can cause severe illness and even death in some instances, especially for those with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and young children. The best way to prevent West Nile virus infection is by avoiding mosquito bites and taking steps to reduce mosquito populations in local communities.
