West Nile fogging in NE Hanford tonight

By Eiji Yamashita
eyamashita@HanfordSentinel.com

A high concentration of mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus have been found in northeast Hanford, prompting officials to schedule a fogging for tonight in the area near Freedom Park.

Surveillance of mosquitoes through traps during the past two weeks have identified the area as a hot spot for West Nile activity, said Kings Mosquito Abatement District Manager Michael Cavanaugh.

"We had a very high number of adult mosquito samples from the area that came back positive for West Nile," Cavanaugh said. "Also, mosquito counts are very high in the area. So it is necessary to treat."

Just two weeks ago, in the wake of the first West Nile death this year, county officials decided not to get a local emergency designation saying that the situation wasn't yet quite dire.

Cavanagh explained that West Nile activities in Kings County at the time were decreasing. But it has picked back up over the past two weeks, he said.

So far this year 137 human cases of West Nile infections have been reported statewide. Kings County has so far seen just two cases, the first of which turned out to be fatal.

With numbers rising elsewhere in the Central Valley, specifically in Bakersfield and Fresno, the Kings Mosquito Abatement District is responding to the elevated risk of the virus.

"We are just taking a precaution," Cavanaugh said. "This is part of our normal control activity, which is fairly routine."

The district will first target the northeast Hanford area and then later target another hotspot on the outskirts of Lemoore, a slough area northwest of Highway 198 and Highway 41, Cavanaugh said. Fogging in those areas is expected to take place in the late evening hours over the course of the next several weeks.

Meanwhile, health officials say people can take the following steps to guard against mosquito bites:

• Use a repellent with an effective ingredient such as DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Follow label directions.

• Drain all sources of standing water, such as old tires and flower pots, that may support mosquito breeding habitats.

• Keep door and window screens tight-fitting and in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

• If you own horses, have them vaccinated. Horses are highly susceptible to West Nile virus.

• Avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.

• Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors if possible when mosquitoes are present.

Dead birds should be reported to 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473).

The reporter can be reached at 582-0471, ext. 3059.

(Aug. 23, 2007)