Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County’s mosquito control program has detected a mosquito that has tested positive for West Nile Virus, in a trap that was set in the City of Vandalia.
It is not uncommon for a mosquito to test positive for West Nile Virus, and Public Health’s program is designed to help educate the public about the diseases mosquitos may carry, how they can protect themselves from mosquito bites, and how they can help to reduce the mosquito population.
Public Health will spray the following area surrounding the Vandalia Rec Center on Tuesday, September 5 at dusk.
The exact time of spraying is weather dependent. Signs will be placed in the area of the spraying and residents may call (937) 224-8793 for more information.
Public Health will be spraying Duet, an adulticide mosquito control product. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has evaluated Duet and determined that using it according to label guidelines, in residential areas, including in and around gardens and over non-organic agricultural crop areas, does not pose a significant risk to people or animals. For more information about Duet visit https://www.clarke.com/product/duet-adulticide/
Residents in the area of the spraying are also advised that:
- People and pets may be outdoors.
- The mist will dissipate within 5-30 minutes depending on weather conditions.
- The Duet spray is not corrosive and does not stain.
When trapped mosquitos test positive for West Nile Virus, Public Health takes the following actions:
- Distributes informational flyers to homes in the area where the mosquito was trapped that provides information about how to reduce the mosquito population and how to reduce the chances of being bitten by a mosquito.
- Sprays the affected area with Duet to help reduce the adult mosquito population, when the mosquito was trapped in a contracted area.
There have been no reported human cases of West Nile Virus in Montgomery County in 2023, and there were 3 human cases reported in 2022.
West Nile virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. It is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall.
There are no vaccines to prevent, or medications to, treat WNV in people. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV do not feel sick. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.
You can reduce your risk of WNV by using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites.
Protect Yourself from West Nile
- Use EPA-approved mosquito repellent containing DEET and follow the label directions.
- If you are outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, be sure to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks.
- Wear light-colored clothing, which is less attractive to mosquitoes.
- Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
- Make sure all roof gutters are clean and draining properly.
- Eliminate standing water in your yard as well as from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used.
For more information call 225-4362 or visit www.phdmc.org .
