The latest lab report has confirmed the presence of West Nile Virus (WNV) in mosquitoes in portions of East Knoxville and North Knox County. Following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocol, the Knox County Health Department (KCHD) will spray for mosquitoes in the Milligan Street area of East Knoxville and the East Emory Road area of North Knox County on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 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 areas to alert residents, who are asked to stay inside during spraying and keep pets inside or in the backyard. 

“While we’re seeing fewer mosquitoes in the traps, the incidence of West Nile is stable,” said Environmental Health Director Ronnie Nease. “This is why it’s so important for the public to continue to do their part to protect themselves and their families.” 

KCHD continues to advise all residents to:
• Wear appropriate clothing and repellant when outside and mosquitoes are present;
• Dispose 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.

Milligan Street Spray Area: 
North Cherry Street, north of Magnolia Avenue, west of North Beaman Street and south of Interstate 40; Lakeside and Kirkwood Streets; and American Avenue will be treated Tuesday, Sept. 22. Follow-up spraying is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 6.  

East Emory Road Spray Area:
Fairlane Road; Little Brook Lane; Irwin Road from Fairlane Road to Central Avenue Pike; Hilldale Road; Eastlain Drive; Loren Circle; Ponds Inlet Circle; Chrysler Lane; Dolphin Lane; Morton View Lane; Tophat Way; West Beaver Creek Drive from Fairlane Road to Central Avenue Pike; Verton Drive; Overton Lane; Madora Drive; Mayview Drive; Sevilla Road; Country Walk Drive; and Snooky Lane will be treated Tuesday, Sept. 22. Follow-up spraying is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 6. 

As previously announced, the West Hills and West Kingston Pike areas are scheduled for follow-up spraying on Thursday, Sept. 17, between 9 p.m. and midnight, weather permitting.

To address the public health concerns caused by mosquitoes, KCHD conducts a West Nile Virus control program during the summer and fall 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 WNV 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.