Due to equipment problems, the Knox County Health Department (KCHD) was unable to spray for mosquitoes in East Knoxville last night. Spraying has been rescheduled for Sunday, July 14 between 9 p.m. and midnight, weather permitting. Signs will be posted in the affected areas to alert residents, who are asked to stay inside during spraying and keep pets inside or in the backyard.

A lab report confirmed the presence of West Nile Virus (WNV) in mosquitoes in the Milligan Street area of East Knoxville last month. Following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocol, KCHD sprayed the affected area on June 27 and scheduled follow-up spraying for last night. Spraying helps reduce the mosquito population and the risk of WNV spreading to humans. The spray area is listed below.

"With all the rain we've had, it's even more important for residents to be diligent about removing standing water on their properties," said KCHD Environmental Health Director Ronnie Nease. "These areas can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which can reproduce in as few as five to seven days."

East Knoxville spray area:
The area to be treated includes North Cherry Street, north of Magnolia Avenue, west of North Beaman Street and South of I-40. Also included are Lakeside and Kirkwood Streets and American Avenue.

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 mosquitoes, 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 and clicking on the Environmental Health section.