As the mosquito season clings on, Shelby County is ramping up its efforts to combat the West Nile Virus (WNV), which has so far implanted itself in no less than nine human hosts this year. The Shelby County Health Department's Mosquito Control Program is taking to the streets – or rather, the skies – to douse neighborhoods with EPA-approved insecticides aimed at slashing the local mosquito population and curtailing the spread of this potentially serious illness.
There's a schedule in place for those wondering when to expect the whir of spraying trucks passing through their streets– starting Monday, September 29, from 7:15 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. in Zones SCS-25, SCS-26, SCS-27, SCS-28, and SCS-29, encompassing ZIP Codes 38141, 38125, and 38017. The operation continues through Thursday, October 2, targeting additional zones and ZIP Codes; and for those of you desiring specifics down to the street level, the Health Department's route maps offer a street-by-street breakdown.
Coming with a backdrop of human cases already in play, the Health Department's proactive measures are more than just a seasonal routine but a necessary act of public health vigilance. Folks with chronic health issues, such as asthma or other pulmonary conditions, are advised to stay indoors during the spray times to avoid potential adverse reactions, which could come on top of the already existing threats that the mosquitoes pose. Meanwhile, individuals with an aversion to their residences being treated have been pointed to an email, [email protected], and a phone line (901) 222-9715, where they can voice their preferences.
The weather, ever the fickle stage manager, could pull the plug on any given night's performance should the clouds gather too sternly, the winds howl too fiercely, or the temperatures dip too low that the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus could slip through the net. The Shelby County Health Department has an eye on the sky and will call off the aerial assault if rain chances exceed 65%, winds surpass 11 mph, or the mercury falls below a crisp 60°F—residents looking for up-to-the-minute updates on cancellations can turn to @ShelbyTNHealth on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest announcements.
Last but not least, the eternal reminder from healthcare professionals to prioritize personal prevention tactics stands: arms themselves with DEET-based repellents when venturing into the great outdoors remains among the simplest, yet most effective, layers of defense against West Nile Virus.
