New Orleans Starts Spraying Against West Nile Virus

In an effort to break an annual cycle of WNV infections in humans, spray planes in the New Orleans area are conducting nighttime raids on mosquitoes that feed on baby birds and squirrels in tree tops.

NEW ORLEANS - In an attempt to break an annual cycle of West Nile infections in humans, spray planes in the New Orleans area are conducting nighttime raids on mosquitoes that feed on baby birds and squirrels in tree tops.

Through January 11th, 102 human cases of West Nile had been reported for 2004 in Louisiana. Three cases were reported in the New Orleans metropolitan area. West Nile is caused by a virus that attacks the brain.

Ed Bordes is director of the New Orleans Mosquito and Termite Control Board. He says the sprayings of the insecticide Dibrom poses little risk to humans, birds and small mammals and degrades into a harmless material in a matter of days.

The insecticide is aimed at the Southern house mosquito, which feeds on baby birds and squirrels in the early spring.

Source: KATC.com