Knox County Health Department (KCHD) has received a lab report confirming the presence of West Nile Virus (WNV) in mosquitoes in the Cedar Bluff and John Sevier Highway areas of Knox County. Following national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocol, the affected areas will be sprayed to reduce the mosquito population and the risk of further WNV spread. Spraying is scheduled for Sunday, May 29 from 9 p.m. to midnight. Follow up spraying will be on Sunday, June 5. Signs will be erected in the affected areas to alert residents, who are asked to stay inside during spraying.

Mosquito spray trucks will be on these roads Sunday night (maps are attached for reference):

Gulf Park Community, Cedar Bluff

Dutchtown Road from the east entrance to Christian Academy of Knoxville (including CAK, Dutchtown Harbor and Villas, and Manis Lane) to Blessed Way; all of Tallahassee and Cortez drives. Sanders Road to Venice, including all of Ethan's Glen Subdivision Venice Road east of Sanders Road, including Tampa and Suwannee Roads All of Briarwood Drive and Laurel Hill Road south from Briarwood Drive; Briarwood Boulevard west of Chateaugay Road All of Gulf Park Drive and all streets west of Pensacola Road, including Mobile and Sarasota drives and Galveston Road Cedar Bluff Primary, Intermediate and Middle schools

East Governor John Sevier Highway

Gov. John Sevier Highway south of Strawberry Plains Pike to Trebor Lane. Thorngrove Pike, west of Gov. John Sevier Highway, to Bales Lane.

"This might be the earliest we've had a positive lab report," said Ronnie Nease, KCHD director of Environmental Health. "This year's rainfall totals and high temperatures are definitely contributing to increased mosquito activity. Please remember, if you go outside when mosquitoes are prevalent, wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks, and use a mosquito repellant containing DEET." (NOTE: See more mosquito control tips below.)

To address the public health concerns caused by mosquitoes, KCHD conducts a mosquito control program during the summer months. As the weather begins to warm each spring, public health professionals begin trapping mosquitoes around the county, testing batches weekly for West Nile Virus, a mosquito-borne disease which can infect humans, horses and birds. WNV affected areas are sprayed with an approved mist when needed to reduce the mosquito population. Application is recommended between the hours of 9 p.m. to midnight when mosquitoes are most active. From March until the first frost, larvicides also are used in areas with standing water to prevent mosquito proliferation.

TIPS FOR CONTROLLING MOSQUITOES

Eliminating breeding areas is an important factor in controlling the mosquito population. KCHD urges the public to reduce breeding sites around their homes by following these tips:

Dispose of, regularly empty, or turn over any water holding containers on your property such as tires, cans, flowerpots, or trashcans. Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outdoors. Make sure roof gutters drain properly and water doesn't stand in them. Change the water in birdbaths at least once a week. Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use. Keep swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs clean and properly chlorinated; Remove standing water from pool covers.

TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESS

It also is important for residents to take necessary precautions against West Nile Virus during outside activity, either by proper clothing or insect repellant. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to keep mosquitoes from biting you. During mosquito season (generally April through October), take the following precautions:

Limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, if possible, since this is the time of greatest mosquito activity. If you are outside when mosquitoes are prevalent, wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks. Use a mosquito repellant that contains DEET (the chemical N-N-diethyl-meta-toluamide); and Follow the directions on the label. If you are concerned about using repellent products on children you may wish to consult a health care provider for advice or contact the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) through their toll-free number at 1-800-858-7378 or npic.orst.edu.

More information on the mosquito control program are available by calling 215-5200. KCHD also provides the West Nile Virus Fact Sheet and the Public Health Fact Sheet discussing insect bites and repellents. All informational materials may be reproduced and distributed as needed. A Mosquito Control technician is available to discuss mosquito control at community groups or neighborhood association meetings.

KCHD is committed to promoting public health policies and practices that safeguard and improve quality of life for all residents. KCHD offers an array of resources, including medical and dental services, family planning, disease surveillance and control, emergency preparedness, air quality management, environmental services, food preparation oversight in public places, special nutritional programs for women with children and much more. For more information, visit www.knoxcounty.org/health.