By WKRG Staff
Published: Wed, September 19, 2007 - 4:54 pm
Last Updated: Wed, September 19, 2007 - 5:06 pm
Last Updated: Wed, September 19, 2007 - 5:06 pm
In response to this case, Mississippi Mosquito Control Incorporated says it is initiating the following actions:
-The northwest section of Pascagoula will be considered to be the epicenter of the problem.
-Extra spraying has already begun for this section. During the evening hours, truck mounted sprayers and aerial spraying will be assigned to the area in an effort to reduce the insect population. Additional spraying started Sept. 18 and will continue through Sept. 20.
-Personnel will be assigned to inspect the immediate area surrounding the epicenter and to continue outward for an approximate five city block area. The purpose of the search will be to locate mosquito breeding sites.
-When it is necessary to enter a property, the resident will be asked to sign a permission slip to allow inspection of the premises for mosquito breeding and to take action against the insects.
-The efficacy of this operation will be determined through the use of Gravid Traps that are scheduled for operation following the spray assignments. Specimens collected will be tested in our laboratory to reduce the turn-around time required by the state lab.
The City of Pascagoula has instructed public works crews to pay extra attention to any area with standing water.
“We are aggressively addressing this issue. Our crews are watching out for standing water at all city parks and in all drainage ditches. We also want our residents to let us know if they see any problem spots, such as abandoned houses or swimming pools,” Mayor Matthew Avara said.
The Mississippi Department of Health confirms 76 human cases of West Nile Virus so far this year. Dr. Thompson urges the public to take the following precautions to reduce the risk of contracting mosquito-borne illnesses:
-Remove sources of standing water
-Avoid mosquito-prone areas, especially between dusk and dawn
-Wear protective clothing (long-sleeved shirts and pants) when in mosquito-prone areas
-Apply a mosquito repellent according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Mosquito Spraying To Begin Tonight
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