Mosquitoes test positive a third time for West Nile

Mosquitoes tested positive for a third time in the past month near the intersection of Murfreesboro Road and Bell Road in Antioch. Test results confirm sustained West Nile virus infection among mosquitoes. “Having repeated positive mosquitoes over a period of time in one residential area is very rare in Davidson County” said Bill Paul, M.D., Director of Health. “We need to take additional, targeted action because these conditions represent a significant public health threat.” Spraying will take place on Monday, August 18th and again Thursday, August 21st. Spraying will occur in selected areas within the following boundaries: South of Nashboro Boulevard/Smith Springs Road West of Owendale Drive/Butler Road North of Anderson Road/Bell Road East of Murfreesboro Road Spraying will begin at dusk (8 p.m.) and nighttime hours when female Culex mosquitoes are most active. If it rains, or winds are greater than 10 miles per hour, then the Health Department will reschedule spraying. The Health Department will utilize ultra low volume (ULV) application of sumithrin/piperonyl butoxide (Anvil 2+2) by licensed technicians on trucks to control adult mosquitoes. Anvil 2+2 is registered by the Environmental Protection Agency for use in residential and recreational areas. The first batch of mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus in Antioch July 17th. The Health Department increased trapping and testing efforts in the area to determine if there was sustained transmission of infection or if this was an isolated occurrence, and also stepped up efforts to remove standing water, apply larvicides, and notify residents to avoid mosquito bites. Despite these actions, a second batch of mosquitoes tested positive July 31, and a third batch collected last week tested positive, documenting sustained transmission of the virus in this area. This is the first time since 2006 that the Health Department will spray to reduce the threat of WNV in the mosquito population. Health Department officials continue to monitor standing water areas and apply larvicide when mosquito larvae are present. Mosquito traps are monitored twice weekly in all areas within Davidson County.