West Nile Virus Concerns Prompt Mosquito Spraying in Franklin county
Franklin County Public Healthโฃ willโ conduct targeted mosquito spraying in several areas beginning Monday, October 7, too combat the spread of West โNile virus following โฃa recent outbreak that impacted the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The sprayingโข will occur between 9 p.m. andโ 6 a.m., weather permitting.
Theโข decision comesโ days after the Columbus Zoo announced a Westโข Nile Virus outbreak infected nearly two dozen lorikeets, resulting in the deaths of 10โฃ birds and hospitalization of the remainder. While human cases are โlessโฃ severe for โmost, โhealth officialsโฃ are taking preventative measures toโ limit further exposure.
West Nile virus is transmitted through mosquito bites and is prevalent across โคNorth America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Australiaโ and Asia. According โtoโ the Centers โfor Disease Control and Prevention, โคapproximately one โin five people infected develop symptoms โฃsuch as fever, headache, โbody aches, and flu-likeโค illness. Though most โขrecover fully,fatigue and weakness can persist for weeks or months. In rare cases-about one in 150-the virus can lead to encephalitis or meningitis, posing a greater risk to individuals over 60 and those with underlying medical conditions likeโค cancer and โdiabetes.
The health department will utilize Permanone 30-30, a low-odor insecticide effective against adult mosquitoes, โขmidges, and black flies. Specific spraying locations will include areas withinโฃ and surrounding the zoo, as well as portions of Blendon Township, Westerville, and Columbus.
Residents can find detailed maps of the spraying areas and further data on the franklin County Public Health website:โ https://www.franklincountyohio.gov/3318/Mosquito-Control.