Fogging Scheduled for Maricopa, Coolidge & Stanfield

The Pinal Co. Division of Environmental Health (PCDEH) announced today 2 new West Nile Virus positive mosquito samples. This brings to 15 the total number of positive mosquito samples in Pinal Co. during the 2006 mosquito season. The most recent positive samples were collected in the City of Maricopa, the City of Coolidge & Stanfield.

PCDEH will conduct adult mosquito fogging, weather permitting starting Thurs. Sept. 28th, thru Sat. Sept. 30th, 2006 from 12:01 a.m. to 5 a.m. The area to be fogged in the City of Maricopa encompasses John Wayne Pkwy. to the east, Bowlin Rd. to the south, Green Rd. to the west, & McDavid Rd. to the north.

The area in the City of Coolidge encompasses Arizona Blvd. to the east, Vah Ki Inn Rd. to the north, Martin Rd. to the south & Skousen Rd. to the west. The area in Stanfield encompasses Stanfield Rd. to the west, Talla Dr. to the north, Hopi Way to the east, & Peters Rd. to the south (including the Stanfield Schools Complex).

There are several things that residents can do to reduce exposure during fogging:

* Close all windows & doors. Air conditioners can still be operated, but if they have vents to bring in outside air, they should be closed. Turn off evaporative coolers.
* Stay inside your home
* If possible, bring pets inside.
* 30 minutes after the end of the scheduled fogging each night, you may resume normal activities.

County health officials recommend all county residents take the following personal precautions to avoid mosquitoes & the diseases they may carry:
* Avoid outside activity between dusk & dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
* If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, wear lightweight clothing that covers your arms & legs and use an insect repellent containing an EPA registered active ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always follow the directions on the label.
* Make sure doors & windows have tight fitting screens & remain closed. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes in them.
* Drain all standing water where mosquitoes can breed. This includes buckets, tires, cans, jars, bottles, & other containers that can hold water.
* Change water in flowerpots, birdbaths & pet watering bowls located outdoors at least twice per week.

The Co. has a mosquito hotline & a webpage. If you would like info on mosquito prevention & control, please call: 866-287-0209, ext. 6200, or visit the WNV webpage at pinal.az.us/EnvHealth/WNV/.

For info or questions concerning the health effects of WNV, please call the Pinal Co. Public Health Information Hotline: 866-763-7252.