The Montgomery County Office of Public Health will conduct mosquito spraying in select areas of Upper Merion Township on Wednesday, August 26, following the detection of West Nile Virus in mosquito samples, according to an alert issued by Upper Merion Township.
Spraying is scheduled to take place from approximately 8:15 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The treatment area includes:
Heuser Park
A portion of the Schuylkill River West Trail
Adjacent Upper Merion Township open space
A rain date is scheduled for Thursday, August 27.
Where Was West Nile Virus Detected?
Upper Merion Township's alert states that the spraying is taking place “following the detection of West Nile Virus in mosquito samples.”
However, the alert does not specify where those positive mosquito samples were collected. Based on the information provided by the township, it is not clear whether West Nile Virus was detected in mosquitoes collected within Upper Merion Township.
The notice also does not indicate that West Nile Virus has been detected in a person.
What Residents in the Spray Area Should Know
Upper Merion Township is advising residents within the treatment area to consider remaining indoors, closing windows and turning off ventilation systems that draw in outside air while spraying is underway.
Residents should continue those precautions for 30 minutes after the spraying is completed, according to the township.
West Nile Virus Confirmed in Neighboring Lower Merion
Separately, neighboring Lower Merion Township recently announced a confirmed West Nile Virus detection in its community.
According to an advisory issued by Lower Merion Township, the Montgomery County Office of Public Health detected West Nile Virus in a mosquito sample collected in Lower Merion Township on August 13.
The Lower Merion advisory encouraged residents to take precautions to reduce mosquito populations and protect themselves from bites, particularly following a rainy, hot and humid summer.
Recommended precautions include:
Removing or draining standing water from gutters, drains, tires and containers
Making sure screens on windows and doors are in good condition
Avoiding outdoor activities from dusk to dawn when possible
Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when mosquitoes are active
Using mosquito repellent with an EPA registration number and following the manufacturer's directions
The Lower Merion notice does not establish that its positive mosquito sample is connected to the spraying scheduled in Upper Merion.
More Information
Montgomery County's Office of Public Health provides information about West Nile Virus, mosquito surveillance and mosquito-control efforts throughout the county.
Residents with questions can also contact the Montgomery County Office of Public Health at 610-278-5117.
Sources: Upper Merion Township, Lower Merion Township and Montgomery County Office of Public Health
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