The Shelby County Health Department is ramping up its battle against the West Nile Virus (WNV) with set mosquito control activities scheduled for the upcoming week. Confirmed by a recent announcement by the Shelby County Health Department, the county has already seen six human cases of WNV this year.
The program's operations involve strategically planned truck-mounted spraying sessions, intended to efficiently target adult mosquito populations in zip codes where the virus has been detected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has highlighted that individuals over 60 are at elevated risk of severe illness due to WNV—a stark reminder for communities to stay vigilant and take personal protective measures like wearing DEET-containing repellents.
Outlined in the Shelby County Health Department's announcement, the spray schedule opens tomorrow, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., focusing on ZIP Codes 38002 and 38127. A detailed route map is accessible for each spraying session, providing transparency and enabling residents to track the operations in their vicinity.
Given weather-dependency of the spraying effectiveness, the Shelby County Health Department is clear that they will resolutely cancel the sessions if adverse weather conditions like high chances of rain or significant winds are forecasted. Residents with health conditions such as asthma are advised to remain indoors during these spray times, and those preferring to opt out of residential spraying should reach out to Vector Control Program directly.
The Shelby County Health Department fosters community engagement and information dissemination through regular updates on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. They ensure the public is kept in the loop regarding any cancellations or adjustments to their mosquito control activities.
