The Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health will be spraying for mosquitoes on Tuesday to help combat West Nile virus.

The area to be sprayed includes a half-mile radius around the 1900 block of West Gump Road. Additionally, the department will again spray in a half-mile radius around the 2400 block of Euclid Avenue as a result of ongoing West Nile virus activity in mosquitoes in that area. Maps of the proposed spray areas are available on the department’s Web site at www.allencountyhealth.com.

Spraying will begin at approximately 8 p.m., weather permitting. Spraying will not occur when the temperature is below 55 °F, wind speeds exceed 10 mph or it is raining. 

Mosquitoes can carry the West Nile virus which, when transmitted to humans, can cause symptoms such as fever, headaches, body aches, swollen lymph glands or a rash. A more severe form of the disease can lead to neurological disorders, coma and even death.

The health department’s mosquito control program focuses on eliminating potential breeding sites, larviciding to reduce the mosquito population, and placing traps to collect and test mosquitoes for disease. Spraying for adult mosquitoes, also known as adulticiding, is only performed when samples test positive for the West Nile virus.

While the pesticide used for mosquito control is an EPA-approved, low-volume concentration that is considered safe for humans and pets, it is suggested that residents remain indoors, bring pets inside, and close windows and doors while spraying is occurring.

Residents are encouraged to prevent mosquito bites by eliminating standing water on their property, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors and by using insect repellent. 

For more information or to sign up to receive mosquito spraying notifications by email, visit www.allencountyhealth.com.