What is a plane doing so low in Merced County? It has to do with West Nile virus
The Merced County Mosquito Abatement District will conduct aerial spraying in Merced, Atwater, Livingston and Delhi on Wednesday.
The treatment will be done shortly after sunset, the district said in a Facebook post. It will combat West Nile virus, which has recently been found in mosquitoes in Madera, Fresno, Stanislaus and Santa Clara counties.
“Although West Nile virus has not been detected in Merced County this year, nearby detections mean we may begin seeing positive mosquito samples soon,” the post said.
Residents in Merced, Atwater, Livingston and Delhi can expect to see a twin-engine aircraft flying at an altitude of about 200 to 300 feet during the spraying.
West Nile virus is transmitted by bites from infected mosquitoes, and most people who contract it may not have any symptoms. Some people may experience mild flulike symptoms like fever, headache or tiredness.
People 55 or older, those with weak immune systems, and people with diabetes have a higher risk of developing more severe symptoms and long-term issues like meningitis, encephalitis and even death.
Tips to avoid mosquito bites:
- Dump and drain standing water: Mosquitoes lay eggs in and near standing water. Mosquitoes need only a tablespoon of water to lay eggs. Potted plant saucers are the leading breeding source for the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito. Limit the number of places mosquitoes can breed by dumping and draining items that hold water.
- Wear insect repellent. Use EPA-registered ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 (as directed on the product label).
- Check window and door screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
For updates and treatment information, follow the Merced County Mosquito Abatement District on Facebook or visit mcmosquito.org.
