SHELBY COUNTY, TN – The Shelby County Health Department’s Mosquito Control Program routinely traps and tests mosquitoes for the presence of West Nile virus (WNV). Mosquitoes positive for the West Nile Virus have been identified in the following zip codes in Shelby County: 38002, 38016, 38018, 38053, 38103, 38104, 38105, 38106, 38107, 38108, 38109, 38111, 38112, 38114, 38115, 38116, 38117, 38118, 38119, 38120, 38122, 38125, 38126, 38127, 38128, 38133, 38134, 38135, 38138, 38139.
Residents of zip codes where the virus has been detected are advised to be especially careful to avoid mosquito bites. The first human case of West Nile Virus has now been reported in Shelby County, indicating the virus is being transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. The Health Department recommends the following precautions to prevent mosquito bites:
- Wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts when working or playing outside, especially in the early morning and evening hours when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear mosquito repellents containing DEET, according to label directions.
- Install or repair screens on windows and doors.
Since February, the Shelby County Health Department’s Mosquito Control Program has treated areas by applying larvicides to standing bodies of water. These actions are consistent with 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. It 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 specific ZIP codes where the West Nile virus has been detected, and portions of adjoining zip codes, according to the following schedule:
Monday, September 9th
7:45 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
ZIP Codes: 38002, 38053, 38004, 38011
Tuesday, September 10th
7:45 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
ZIP Codes: 38053, 38127
Wednesday, September 11th
7:45 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
ZIP Codes: 38119, 38125, 38141
Thursday, September 12th
7:45 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
ZIP Codes: 38016, 38018, 38028, 38017
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 sprayed. Because of this, residents are highly encouraged to be vigilant as it relates to controlling mosquito populations around their homes and businesses and preventing mosquito bites. Individuals are encouraged to practice the 4 D’s:
- 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.
* 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:
- Rain chance of 65% or greater
- Wind speeds 11mph or greater
- Temperature less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit
Follow @ShelbyTNHealth on Twitter and Facebook for the most up-to-date cancellations of any scheduled sprayings.