Aerial spraying over north Modesto Friday night to combat West Nile Virus
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- ESMAD will spray insecticide over 3,200 Modesto acres Friday to curb virus spread.
- Half of mosquito samples in Modesto tested positive for West Nile Virus in July.
- Residents urged to stay indoors and check ESMAD website for future spray updates.
Insecticide will be sprayed from an airplane over a north Modesto community Friday night to combat a growing presence of mosquitos infected with West Nile Virus, according to the East Side Mosquito Abatement District.
The spraying will happen at about 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The spray will be aimed at an over 3,200 acre section of the city bordered by Dale Road to the west, Coffee Road to the east, Pelandale to the north and Rumble Road to the south.
ESMAD urged residents within this border keep windows closed and, if possible, stay indoors once the aircrafts fly over their neighborhood. This is the third insecticide spraying over the city this month.
The type of insecticide being used is Evergreen ULV 5-25, the impacts of which are “temporary and transient, clearing in a few minutes,” according to ESMAD.
ESMAD stated that it “may not necessarily publish a press releases for these or future applications” and instead advised members of the public to check its website for maps of new treatment areas, which are planned to happen every week through September.
In July, the Stanislaus County Public Health Department confirmed the first human case of West Nile Virus in Stanislaus County. Officials said the person was infected with the virus and developed neuroinvasive West Nile Virus, a neurological illness that can manifest after exposure.
At the time, ESMAD stated that half of the mosquitos in a sample taken from Modesto tested positive for the virus.
The virus is transmitted by bites from infected mosquitoes and most people who contract it may not have any symptoms. Some people may experience mild flu-like symptoms like fever, headache, or tiredness. People 55 or older, those with weak immune systems, and people with diabetes have a higher risk of developing more severe symptoms and long-term issues like meningitis, encephalitis and even death.
ESMAD recommended the following in order to minimize mosquitos and their bites:
- Dump and Drain Standing Water: Mosquitoes lay eggs in and near standing water. Mosquitoes only need a tablespoon of water to lay eggs. Potted plant saucers are the leading breeding source for the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito. Limit the number of places mosquitoes can breed by dumping and draining items that hold water.
- Wear insect repellent. EPA-registered ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 (as directed on the product label).
- Check window and door screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
In Stanislaus County, residents can contact their local agency to report an unusual amount of mosquitoes during the day or dead birds which can be an early warning sign of West Nile Virus. The East Side Mosquito Abatement District can be contacted at 209-522-4098 and the Turlock Mosquito Abatement District can be contacted at 209-634-1234.
