Truck-mounted mosquito spraying is scheduled for Wednesday in 38002, according to Heather Burton Fortner, MPA, Regional Hospital Coordinator for the Shelby County Health Department (SCHD). The hours are 8:30 -11:30 p.m.
The SCHD has received confirmation of mosquitoes infected with West Nile Virus (WNV) within ZIP codes 38016, 38018, and 38127. These are the first positive mosquito pools found within Shelby County in 2018.
Since February, the SCHD’s Vector Control Program has treated areas by applying larvicides to standing bodies of water. These actions are consistent with the efforts to be proactive in decreasing the adult mosquito population. Larviciding is the practice of applying an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insecticide to areas where mosquito breeding has been confirmed and is the most effective way of eliminating mosquito populations.
As an additional precaution, SCHD will conduct mosquito control activities, including truck-mounted spraying (adulticiding) of EPA-approved insecticides, weather permitting*, in portions of specific ZIP codes according to the following schedule:
Monday June 4th
8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
ZIP Codes: 38127, 38128
Tuesday June 5th
8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
ZIP Codes: 38108, 38122, 38117, 38120, 38111
Wednesday June 6th
8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
ZIP Codes: 38135, 38133, 38002
Thursday June 7th
8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
ZIP Codes: 38017, 38139, 38125, 38138, 38115, 38118, 38141
Go to www.shelbytnhealth.com to view the most current schedule and the exact boundaries of each scheduled spray. New maps will be added weekly to reflect updated schedules.
Truck mounted spraying only effectively kills adult mosquitoes currently flying at the time the insecticide is released. Because of this, residents are highly encouraged to be vigilant as it relates to controlling mosquito populations around their homes and businesses. Individuals are encouraged to practice the 4 Ds:
- DEFEND yourself by using insect repellent with DEET. Follow label instructions.
- DRESS in long sleeves and pants. Wear loose and light colored clothing when outdoors.
- DUSK/DAWN is the time when mosquitoes are most active. Stay indoors.
- DRAIN standing water and install or repair window screens.
Individuals with chronic health problems such as asthma or other lung conditions may want to remain indoors during the time of spraying. Citizens who do not want their residences to be sprayed should contact the Vector Control Program at (901) 222-9715.
Humans can contract WNV through an infected mosquito’s bite. Although WNV can occasionally cause severe disease, most human infections are mild, resulting in fever, headache and body aches lasting only a few days. Symptoms of severe disease include a high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma or convulsions. Individuals over age 50 and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe disease. They should especially be careful to avoid mosquito bites.
To ensure the insecticide is most effective, the scheduled spraying will be canceled if any of the following weather conditions are present for the majority of the schedule spray time:
- Greater than a 65% chance of rain
- Wind speeds 11mph or greater
- Temperature less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit
Follow @ShelbyTNHealth on social media for the most up-to-date cancellations of any scheduled sprayings.
