Alliance Plans Mosquito Spraying After West Nile Found In Two Samples

The Alliance City Health Department plans to conduct targeted mosquito spraying Sunday evening after two mosquito samples recently tested positive for West Nile virus.

The positive mosquito pools were collected from traps near West Como Avenue and Webster Park Avenue. Spraying is scheduled between 7 and 11 p.m. Sunday, August 2, in city parks, around Alliance’s water and wastewater treatment plants and in areas adjoining the Mahoning River. The department has advised beekeepers to protect their hives during the treatment.

The finding means West Nile virus was detected in collected mosquitoes. The city’s notices have not announced a confirmed human infection connected to the samples. Alliance health officials said mosquito trapping and testing will continue through the remainder of mosquito season.

Residents are being encouraged to limit outdoor activity between dusk and dawn, wear long sleeves and pants and use an EPA registered mosquito repellent. Standing water should be removed from flower pots, tires and other containers. Gutters should be kept clear, pools should be maintained and water in bird baths should be changed weekly.

Most people infected with West Nile virus experience no symptoms. About 20 percent develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash. Fewer than 1 percent develop severe illness affecting the brain or nervous system, with older adults and people with certain medical conditions facing a higher risk.