MEMPHIS, 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 were identified in the following zip codes last week, the week of July 7, 2019: 38104, 38111, 38112, 38114, 38115, 38117, 38119, 38122 and 38141.

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.

Controlling mosquito populations that may harbor the West Nile virus is important because 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.

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, July 22^nd

8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

ZIP Codes: 38107, 38108, 38112, 38111, 38122, 38104, 38114

Tuesday, July 23^rd               

8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

ZIP Codes: 38118, 37501, 38115, 38141

Wednesday, July 24^th

8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

ZIP Codes: 38116, 38118, 38130, 38131, 38132, 38118, 38115, 38125

Thursday, July 18^th

8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

ZIP Codes: 38111, 38117, 38122, 38152, 38118, 38119

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.