Following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocol, the Knox County Health Department (KCHD) will conduct follow-up mosquito spraying in the East Emory Road area of Halls where West Nile Virus (WNV) was found in mosquitoes earlier this month.

Spraying is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 19 between 9 p.m. and midnight, weather permitting, to reduce the mosquito population and the risk of WNV spreading to humans. Signs will be posted in the affected area to alert residents, who are asked to stay inside during spraying and keep pets inside or in the backyard.

Halls Spray Area:
The spray area includes Homestead Drive, Hallbrook Road, Arlie Drive, Zirkle Drive, Marshall Drive, a portion of Old Maynardville Pike, and the areas around Halls Middle School and Halls High School.

KCHD advises all residents to:
Wear appropriate clothing and repellant when outside and mosquitoes are present; Disposes of, regularly empty or turn over any containers holding water on your property; Make sure roof gutters drain properly and water doesn't pool in them; Change the water in birdbaths at least once a week; and Use a mosquito repellant that contains DEET (the chemical N-N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) and follow the directions on the label. Pregnant women and those who are concerned about using repellent products on children should consult their health care provider for advice.

To address the public health concerns caused by West Nile Virus, KCHD conducts a mosquito control program during the summer months. As the weather warms each spring, public health professionals begin a weekly process of trapping and testing mosquitoes for WNV, a mosquito-borne disease which can infect humans, horses and birds. From March until the first frost, KCHD also uses larvicides in areas with standing water to prevent mosquito proliferation. More information on the mosquito control program and prevention tips are available by calling (865) 215-5200 or visiting www.knoxcounty.org/health .