Mosquito spraying is scheduled for west Umatilla County Tuesday
By Terry Murry on Friday, September 1st, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
The following is a news release from the West Umatilla Mosquito Control District:
The West Umatilla Mosquito Control District will be conducting targeted aerial mosquito control spraying with a twin-engine airplane after sunset on Tuesday, September 5th, weather permitting. The application will be scheduled for the following day if the weather causes a cancellation. The application is taking place to protect the public against mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in several areas of Western Umatilla County. A total of about 10,000 acres are in the target area that includes the Diagonal Road area between east Ott Road and the Hwy 730 Junction, portions of the Hat Rock area, and the Power City area. For more information, please contact the West Umatilla Mosquito Control District at 567-5201.
The district now has five confirmed positive mosquito samples and is awaiting word on three more that were collected Tuesday, August 29, 2023 and sent to the Oregon State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in Corvallis, Oregon for confirmation. The confirmed positive samples have been collected from the Spearman Road area, the Wanaket Wildlife area, on Golda Road, and also on Dallas Road.
Residents in the district can expect to see an increase in mosquito control operations for the rest of the mosquito season or until about mid-September in areas that continue to have positive samples. Ultra Low Volume (ULV) applications of insecticides from aircraft and truck mounted sprayers will be used to reduce mosquito populations in areas that are infested.
These applications will typically be made after sunset when mosquitoes are most active. All applicators are licensed by the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
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 virus 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, such as West Nile virus.
Here are some suggestions to reduce the risk of exposure to West Nile:
- 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.
