West Nile Virus Risk Leads To Mosquito Spraying In Fairfax County

SPRINGFIELD, VA—The Fairfax County Health Department has announced scheduled pesticide spraying to combat mosquitoes and the risk of West Nile Virus. The pesticides will be sprayed at Kings Park Park, 8717 Trafalgar Court, Springfield and Ted Grefe Park, 9980 Mosby Road in the City of Fairfax on Monday, Aug. 27 between 8 a.m. and noon.

According to the health department, Culex mosquitoes around the county have been found with West Nile Virus this year. Meanwhile Aedes mosquitoes don't typically carry the virus but have been found with West Nile Virus in traps at Kings Park Park and Ted Grefe Park.

The health department said in a statement the pesticide treatments aim "to reduce the possibility of human transmission."

"Spraying to kill adult mosquitoes that can spread disease to humans is an important and effective component of an integrated pest management program,” said Pieter Sheehan, director of environmental health for the department in a statement. "But spraying is just one step to protect public health. Residents must also take appropriate steps to protect themselves."

Residents living in the affected areas will be notified about pesticide treatments and can receive yard inspections to prevent mosquitoes. The pesticides being used aren't harmful to people or pets, according to the health department.

As a precaution, residents can stay indoors, close their doors and windows, and turn off window-mounted air conditioners or whole house fans while spraying happens. People more sensitive to chemicals could see short-term effects like eye, skin, nose or throat irritation, or a breathing problem and should seek medical attention.

A human West Nile Virus case was confirmed earlier in August. An adult from the northeastern part of the county was hospitalized and is recovering from the disease.

Humans get West Nile Virus through the bite of an infected mosquito. Many get mild cases of West Nile Virus with symptoms like fever, headache and muscle aches that can last days to weeks. However, severe cases can lead to meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis and even death, and recovery can take months or years.

People ages 50 or older or those with suppressed immunity due to disease such as cancer or diabetes are most vulnerable to West Nile Virus. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion and lethargy should seek medical help immediately.

The health department also recommends residents follow these tips to prevent mosquito bites:

• Avoiding mosquitoes when possible, especially during peak biting times such as dawn and dusk.
• Wearing long clothing and apply a mosquito repellent to clothing and exposed skin when spending time outdoors.
• Keeping mosquitoes outside of your home by closing doors and windows and/or making sure that screens are in good repair.
• Eliminating standing water by tipping and tossing buckets, downspout extensions, planters, toys, birdbaths, flowerpots, tarps and other containers where mosquitoes lay their eggs.

For more information, visit the health department's website.

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