Mosquito Spraying In Havre de Grace Planned

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — The Maryland Department of Agriculture announced that there is a public health concern over the potential for mosquito-borne diseases in Havre de Grace. As a result, the state will be spraying a special solution in the area to kill the insects.

The spraying will take place within a 1-mile radius of the intersection of Chapel Road and Blenheim Lane.

The following communities will be sprayed after 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 26:

• Bulle Rock
• Residences at Bulle Rock

An ultra low-volume truck will spray a permethrin-based solution, which kills adult mosquitoes; and while authorities say there are minimal impacts, they advise avoiding outdoor activities during the spraying.

People can do these things to prevent their risk of contracting mosquito-borne illness:

• Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and hats
• Reduce standing water — dump rain that has accumulated in places like garbage cans
• Install, inspect and repair window screens in homes and stables
• Use an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent
• Clean bird baths and pet bowls and remove unnecessary water containers

The Maryland Department of Health maintains a West Nile page with information about reported cases.

Those who have mosquito problems can file a complaint to make the state aware of the situation in their area.

What Happens If You Get West Nile Virus?

While 80 percent of people infected do not have symptoms, about 20 percent of those with West Nile virus have a fever with headache, body aches, diarrhea, rash and/or swollen lymph glands within two to 14 days of being bitten by an infected mosquito. Most people recover on their own but fatigue and/or weakness may last weeks or months.

Fewer than 1 percent of people infected with West Nile virus experience more severe symptoms — such as tremors, paralysis, convulsions, neck stiffness, high fever, muscle weakness and coma — according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It can be fatal, particularly for sensitive groups such as those over 60 years of age and people with compromised immune systems.

Once it is discovered that a person has West Nile virus, the Maryland Department of Agriculture will spray around a three-quarter mile radius of where an individual infected with the virus resides, and there will be routine spraying throughout the state where communities participate in mosquito spraying, officials said.

Anyone who would like more information about the Maryland Department of Agriculture's Mosquito Control Program may call 410-841-5870.

Image via Shutterstock.