Spraying to combat West Nile virus slated for Sunday and Monday nights - Modesto Bee

Aerial spraying to control mosquitoes will be conducted Sunday and Monday nights over vast areas of Sacramento and Elk Grove, a result of a spike in West Nile virus detections.

The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District will spray between 8 p.m. and midnight on Sunday and Monday.

The spraying will occur over virtually all of the city of Sacramento south of Highway 50, except for downtown and Curtis Park, and extending as far south as Elk Grove Boulevard in Elk Grove.

Call The Bee's Matt Weiser, (916) 321-1264. Follow him on Twitter @matt_weiser.

In addition, North Highlands and surrounding areas of Sacramento County, on both sides of Interstate 80, will be sprayed. This spraying area is bounded roughly by Watt Avenue, Antelope Road, Manzanita Avenue and Cypress Avenue.

"With the Fourth of July holiday coming up, we felt it was very important to reduce the abundance of mosquitoes at a time when we knew there would be a lot of people outdoors," said Luz Maria Rodriguez, spokeswoman for the district.

She said 127 mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus in Sacramento so far this season. The virus also has been documented in 174 dead birds found in the city.

West Nile, which first appeared in the United States in 1999, causes body aches, fever and paralysis. In severe cases, it can be deadly.

Rodriguez said two pesticides will be sprayed: Dibrom, an organophosphate, will be sprayed Sunday night; then Anvil, a pyrethroid, will be sprayed Monday night. Dibrom will be applied at a rate of 0.75 ounces per acre; Anvil at 0.62 ounces per acre.

The chemicals will be sprayed by three aircraft, all twin-engine planes, flying at an altitude of about 300 feet.

Rodriguez said the spraying does not pose a human health risk.

"Both of these products are registered for use for mosquito control, and there are no specific recommendations that we tell people," Rodriguez said. "If they want to reduce their exposure, we always tell them they can stay inside."

For information on the mosquito spraying, call the vector control district at (800) 429-1022 or visit www.fightthebite.net