More WNV Found, New Sites Identified

Spraying Cancelled Due to Weather Conditions

Residents may not notice the change, but the cooler weather is lowering the number of mosquitoes in our area. Unfortunately, Knox County Health Department (KCHD) is still receiving reports of the presence of West Nile Virus (WNV) in mosquitoes. This week’s test results had five positive pools, two in new areas. Additionally, the nighttime temperatures are forecast to be at or below 55 degrees, which prohibits spraying affected areas. Public health officials ask the public to remain vigilant about wearing repellant and appropriate clothing to reduce risk of exposure to mosquitoes.

The areas showing positive pools of mosquitoes are: East Knox County near Milligan Street, the Venice Road area of Cedar Bluff, Northwest Knox County near Robindale Road and two new areas near Choto Road in far West Knox County and West Fourth Avenue near I-275.

“The situation is really unusual: too cool to spray, but the mosquitoes are still active and showing positive for West Nile Virus in some areas,” said Ronnie Nease, KCHD director of Environmental Health. “The best advice is to protect yourself from mosquito bites: wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks, and use a mosquito repellant containing DEET.” (NOTE: See more mosquito control tips below.)

KCHD follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocol for spraying the affected areas to reduce the mosquito population and the risk of further WNV spread. Spraying is recommended between the hours of 9 p.m. to midnight when mosquitoes are most active. However, according to the manufacturer, spraying below 55 degrees renders the product ineffective. Due to unfavorable weather conditions, this Sunday night’s scheduled spraying for the Milligan Street area and the zoo has been cancelled. No other sites have been scheduled because, at this time, the forecast for the next two weeks doesn’t look suitable for spraying.

The following areas are most immediately affected by WNV:

Cumberland Estates area: Royalview Road, Deerfield Road, Crestfield Road west of Palmetto Drive; all of Landon Drive, Newberry Road, Cliftwood Road, Robindale Road, Springbrook Road, Silverhill and Willowdale Drives. Additional spray areas are High Drive and Short Road.

Cedar Bluff area: Dutchtown Road from the east entrance to Christian Academy of Knoxville (including CAK, Dutchtown Harbor and Villas, and Manis Lane) to Blessed Way; all of Tallahassee and Cortez drives. Sanders Road to Venice, including all of Ethan’s Glen Subdivision; Venice Road east of Sanders Road, including Tampa and Suwannee Roads; All of Briarwood Drive and Laurel Hill Road south from Briarwood Drive; Briarwood Boulevard west of Chateaugay Road; all of Gulf Park Drive and all streets west of Pensacola Road, including Mobile and Sarasota drives and Galveston Road; Cedar Bluff Primary, Intermediate and Middle schools.

Choto area: All areas in the following subdivisions: Walnut Grove, Amber Wood and Amber Wood Court, Copperstone, Choto Farms, Peach Tree Farms, The Woods at Montgomery Cove, Bay View West, Mallard Bay, Willow Cove and Herons Point.

Milligan Street area: The area bordered by the eastern end of North Cherry Street, north of East Magnolia Avenue, west of Prosser Road, south of Kenilworth Lane, east of North Park Boulevard and south of Cecil Avenue, and the zoo property.

West Fourth Avenue near I-275: All areas north of Western Avenue, south of Beaumont Street, south of Baxter Avenue, west of Central Avenue, north of Broadway.

To address the public health concerns caused by mosquitoes, KCHD conducts a mosquito control program during the summer months. As the weather begins to warm each spring, public health professionals begin trapping mosquitoes around the county, testing batches weekly for West Nile Virus, a mosquito-borne disease which can infect humans, horses and birds. WNV affected areas are sprayed with an approved mist when needed to reduce the mosquito population. From March until the first frost, larvicides also are used in areas with standing water to prevent mosquito proliferation. Birds such as blue jays, crows and robins also are monitored for signs of WNV.

TIPS FOR CONTROLLING MOSQUITOES
Eliminating breeding areas is an important factor in controlling the mosquito population. KCHD urges the public to reduce breeding sites around their homes by following these tips:

• Dispose of, regularly empty, or turn over any water holding containers on your property such as tires, cans, flowerpots, or trashcans.
• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outdoors.
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly and water doesn’t stand in them.
• Change the water in birdbaths at least once a week.
• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Keep swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs clean and properly chlorinated;
• Remove standing water from pool covers.

TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESS
It also is important for residents to take necessary precautions against West Nile Virus during outside activity, either by proper clothing or insect repellant. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to keep mosquitoes from biting you. During mosquito season (generally April through October), take the following precautions:

• Limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, if possible, since this is the time of greatest mosquito activity.
• If you are outside when mosquitoes are prevalent, wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks.
• Use a mosquito repellant that contains DEET (the chemical N-N-diethyl-meta-toluamide); and
• Follow the directions on the label. If you are concerned about using repellent products on children you may wish to consult a health care provider for advice or contact the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) through their toll-free number at 1-800-858-7378 or npic.orst.edu.

More information on the mosquito control program and the treatment schedule are available by calling 215-5200 or online at http://knoxcounty.org/health/vector_mosquito_control.php. KCHD also provides the West Nile Virus Fact Sheet and the Public Health Fact Sheet discussing insect bites and repellents. All informational materials may be reproduced and distributed as needed. A Mosquito Control technician is available to discuss mosquito control at community groups or neighborhood association meetings.

KCHD is committed to promoting public health policies and practices that safeguard and improve quality of life for all residents. KCHD offers an array of resources, including medical and dental services, family planning, disease surveillance and control, emergency preparedness, air quality management, environmental services, food preparation oversight in public places, special nutritional programs for women with children and much more. For more information, visit www.knoxcounty.org/health. Information on flu is available at www.knoxcounty.org/flu.