Following the outbreak of West Nile Virus in Shelby County with two reported human cases this year, the local health department is beefing up its Mosquito Control Program. The first case emerged in March, linked to travel abroad, and the latest one was confirmed just last week. As a precaution, the Shelby County Health Department is asking residents to step up their mosquito defense game, especially considering most infected individuals won't even know they're carrying the virus.
In response to the situation, the department is rolling out targeted truck-mounted spraying sessions in areas where the virus-carrying mosquitoes have been detected. Ready to broadly disperse insecticide, the trucks are set to cover designated ZIP Codes at specific hours, starting from tonight at 8:15 p.m. where they will hit areas like 38127 and 38053. The full schedule and route maps are provided on the health department's website, so you can check to see when they'll be in your neighborhood.
Health experts remind us that those over 60 should be particularly vigilant as they're more prone to develop severe illness from West Nile virus. The county has identified viral presence in 32 different ZIP Codes, suggesting a widespread concern. Insect repellents with DEET are recommended for everyone stepping outside. Mind the clock if you're planning to be out and about, since spraying times will extend to the early morning hours as well, with some sessions scheduled to start as early as 3:45 a.m. the following days.
Residents with respiratory conditions like asthma may want to consider staying indoors during spray times to avoid exposure to the aerosol chemicals. Those wanting to opt-out of the spraying around their homes can formally make a request by reaching out to the Vector Control Program. For the latest updates, including any weather-related spraying cancellations, follow the Shelby County Health Department across their social media channels on X, Facebook, and Instagram. Weather conditions like heavy rain, high winds, or low temperatures can impact the scheduled sprayings, so staying informed will ensure you're not caught off guard.
