County begins spraying for West Nile mosquitoes

By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
Aug. 24, 2002
Lauderdale County began spraying for mosquitoes Friday the same day the Mississippi Department of Health announced that a second dead bird found in Lauderdale County has tested positive for West Nile Virus.
Fifteen more human cases of West Nile Virus were also announced in the state on Friday.
Health officials are "strongly urging" all residents to take protective measures by avoiding mosquito contact, using repellent containing DEET (up to 30 percent for adults, 10 percent or less for children), and getting rid of standing water where mosquitoes breed.
Two foggers used to spray insecticide arrived in the county Thursday and were mounted on pickup trucks to control mosquito populations where many people congregate, such as schools and churches.
County officials declared a state of emergency on Monday, and ordered the $7,500 foggers, after they got word that a dead bird found here had tested positive for the disease.
They are hoping cooler weather will move in about six weeks from now and help control the mosquito population.
The Mississippi Department of Health has reported a total of 91 human cases of West Nile Virus in the state since July 19, with victims ranging in age from 3 to 88. Three state residents have died from the mosquito-borne virus.
West Nile has been identified either in people, birds, horses or mosquito pools in 66 Mississippi counties.