UPDATE: Mosquito spraying is delayed a day
By Terry Murry on Sunday, July 23rd, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
The West Umatilla Mosquito Control District has moved the date of its spraying operation to after sunset TUESDAY, JULY 25TH due to high winds.
News release from the West Umatilla Mosquito Control District:
HERMISTON – The West Umatilla Mosquito Control District will be conducting targeted aerial mosquito control spraying with a twin-engine airplane after sunset on Monday, July 24th, weather permitting. The application will be scheduled for the following day if the weather causes a cancellation. A total of 10,240 acres are to be targeted in areas east of Hermiston that have high populations of vector mosquitoes. The target area includes the Diagonal Road area between Ott Road and the Hwy 730 Junction, and portions of the Power City and Hat Rock area. No areas within city limits are currently scheduled for aerial spraying.
With the recent triple digit temperatures across the region, mosquito activity has rapidly increased causing ideal conditions for increased WNv transmission. There are no current confirmed West Nile virus cases in mosquitoes in Umatilla County but that could change very rapidly. Although the virus can be detected anywhere, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, Jackson, Baker, and Union Counties typically see elevated activity each year. Malheur County, Jackson County, and Yakima County Washington have recently reported WNv activity in mosquitoes.
The West Umatilla Mosquito District is actively collecting and testing mosquito and bird samples for the presence of West Nile Virus and fully expects to begin seeing activity at any time. There are currently 60 mosquito samples being evaluated at the Oregon State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Corvallis, Oregon for the presence of West Nile virus. The samples were collected over the last three days throughout the district.
West Nile is primarily a bird disease, and some birds, including magpies, blue jays and crows are especially susceptible. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on an infected bird and can pass the virus to humans, horses or other hosts when they bite. The public is encouraged to continue to alert district officials when they come across dead birds, so the district can track the spread of the virus.
The risk of West Nile is low but people are encouraged to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites. Most people who become infected with West Nile Virus do not become ill. Some may develop mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, and occasionally swollen lymph glands or a rash. In rare cases West Nile may cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. Individuals with severe or unusual headaches should seek medical care as soon as possible. Residents of the district should remain vigilant in protecting themselves from mosquitoes and the diseases that they can carry.
Here are some suggestions to reduce the risk of exposure to West Nile virus:
- Get rid of old tires and other containers where water can accumulate and serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
- Flush or replace the water in horse troughs weekly.
- Be sure to flush or add mosquito fish to ornamental ponds.
- Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in mosquito infested areas.
- Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, making sure to follow the directions on the container.
- Screen doors and windows.
- Report mosquito infestations and dead bird sightings to the West Umatilla Mosquito Control District (541) 567-5201
Because horses are also at risk for West Nile virus, health officials encourage horse owners to check with their veterinarians for vaccination. Veterinarians can arrange for testing of samples from horses suspected of infection with West Nile virus.
