Mosquito fogging scheduled for city of Maricopa

Pinal County Environmental Health Services announced Friday that a mosquito sample collected in the city of Maricopa has tested positive for West Nile virus. This brings the total number of West Nile virus positive mosquito samples in Pinal County, collected by Environmental Health in 2008, to 33.

In response, Environmental Health will conduct adult mosquito fogging, weather permitting, Wednesday, Oct. 1 through Friday, Oct. 3, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Two areas are scheduled to receive fogging. The first area encompasses Hiller Rd. to the north, Santa Cruz Wash to the east, Mobile Rd. to the south, and the Sunset Dr/Central Ave. alignment to the west. The second area encompasses Green Rd. to the west, McDavid Rd. to the north, John Wayne Parkway to the east, and Bowlin Rd to the south.

The pesticide that will be used during fogging is called Anvil. It is a pre-mixed, ready to use product that contains two active ingredients: sumithrin (2%) and piperonyl butoxide (2%). Sumithrin is a man-made version of a natural pesticide found in chrysanthemum flowers. Piperonyl butoxide enhances the ability of sumithrin to kill mosquitoes. Anvil is registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and is effective against mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus. There are several things that residents can do to reduce exposure during fogging:

· Close all windows and doors. Air conditioners can still be operated, but if they have vents to bring in outside air, they should be closed. Turn off evaporative coolers
· Stay inside your home
· Bring pets inside
· Wait until 30 minutes after the end of the scheduled fogging to resume normal activities
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito.

It can cause severe illness in people and horses, although not everyone that is infected will develop symptoms. People of all ages can be affected; however, the elderly may be more prone to serious illness.

County health officials urge all county residents to “Fight the Bite” and follow these simple personal precautions to avoid mosquitoes and the diseases they may carry:

§ Avoid outside activity between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active
§ If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, wear lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs and use an insect repellent containing an EPA registered active ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always follow the directions on the label
§ Make sure doors and windows have tight fitting screens and remain closed. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes in them
§ Eliminate mosquito-breeding sites around the home by removing standing water in potted plants, tires, bird baths and other containers where water may collect
§ Ensure that swimming pools and decorative water features are properly maintained
§ Change water in flowerpots, birdbaths and pet watering bowls located outdoors at least twice per week

If you would like information on mosquito prevention and control, please call: (866) 287-0209, ext. 6200, or visit the West Nile virus web page at www.pinalcounty.org/envhealth. For information concerning the health effects of West Nile, call the Pinal County Health Information Hotline at (866) 763-7542.

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