Mosquito spraying scheduled for Antioch

Davidson County The Metro Public Health Department continues to spray a section of Antioch after two more batches of mosquitoes collected in late August tested positive for West Nile virus. The mosquitoes were trapped near the intersection of Bell Road and Murfreesboro Road. The department planned to spray Thursday, if conditions permitted, and to spray again Monday. Spraying will begin at 7 p.m. in selected areas within the following boundaries: South of Nashboro Boulevard and Smith Springs Road, west of Owendale Drive and Butler Road, north of Anderson Road and Bell Road and east of Murfreesboro Road. Four mosquito samples collected from July 17 to Aug. 15 have tested positive for the West Nile virus. Health department officials will trap more mosquitoes Tuesday to be tested for the virus. "Having repeated positive mosquitoes over a period of time in one residential area is very rare in Davidson County," Bill Paul, director of health, said in a statement this week. "We are taking additional, targeted action because these conditions represent a significant public health threat." The department also has stepped up efforts in the Antioch area to kill mosquito larvae, remove standing water and caution residents to avoid mosquito bites. For information, contact mosquito control at 340-5668. — JENNY UPCHURCH jupchurch@tennessean.com