DEP to Complete Aerial Mosquito Treatments to Stem West Nile Virus in Southeastern...

DEP to Complete Aerial Mosquito Treatments to Stem West Nile Virus in
Southeastern Counties

Spraying Set for Tonight in Parts of Bucks, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia
Counties

NORRISTOWN, Pa., Aug. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- After encouraging results
following the first night of aerial treatments, the Department of
Environmental Protection will continue its efforts this evening to protect the
public against the mosquito-borne West Nile virus.

Targeted aerial treatments will be administered between 8 p.m. and midnight in
portions of Bucks, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties where very
high numbers of virus-carrying mosquitoes have been recorded.

"Last night's treatment efforts covered approximately 52,000 acres in Delaware
and Montgomery counties," said Joseph A. Feola, the department's southeast
regional director. "Initial indications from our mosquito traps in Montgomery
County suggest that the spray was highly effective."

Tonight's targeted application will cover 55,000 acres in the four counties.

DEP will report on all treatment activities and will make the latest
information available at http://www.westnile.state.pa.us, including a map of
areas that have been and will be treated. The public may also call
484-250-5824 for a recorded message that details upcoming aerial spraying
events. The recorded message will be updated daily and will be available
through the end of this week.

The decision to apply treatments from the air was made in consultation with
county West Nile virus program coordinators, the Department of Health, and the
federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Feola said aerial treatments are recommended when five-out-of-every-1,000
mosquitoes test positive for the virus. Infection rates in the targeted areas
all exceed the aerial treatment recommendation threshold or have a significant
population of mosquito species that could become infected.

Weather permitting, residents in the targeted areas can expect to see
low-flying airplanes spraying Resmethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid product, at
the rate of .0035 pounds per acre, or an amount equal to one-third of a
teaspoon.

The spray rate is half of the amount approved for safe application by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and should have no adverse effects to human
health, animals, ornamental ponds or plant life.

While Resmethrin is considered safe with little risk of toxicity, the
Department of Health recommends some basic steps the public may take to reduce
possible exposure to it:

-- Children and pregnant women should take care to avoid exposure when
practical. If possible, remain inside or avoid the area whenever spraying
takes place and for about thirty minutes after spraying. That time period will
greatly reduce the likelihood of your breathing pesticide in air.
-- Close windows and doors and turn off window air-conditioning units or close
their vents to circulate indoor air before spraying begins. Windows and
air-conditioner vents can be reopened about 30 minutes after spraying.
-- Anyone experiencing adverse reactions to pesticides should seek medical
care or call the Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222.

"By taking these conservative measures, recommended by the Department of
Health, people can feel confident that they have limited their exposure to the
active ingredient used in spraying," said Dr. Veronica Urdaneta, the
Pennsylvania state epidemiologist.

Certain mosquito species carry the West Nile virus, which, when transmitted to
people, can cause West Nile encephalitis, an infection that may result in an
inflammation of the brain. One human case of the West Nile virus has been
confirmed this year in a 27-year-old Montgomery County woman.

The best way to control mosquitoes is still to get rid of standing water on
your property. Tips for eliminating mosquito-breeding areas are available at
http://www.westnile.state.pa.us.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Aerial treatments will be applied in the following townships
and zip codes from 8 p.m. to midnight on Wednesday, Aug. 27.

Bucks County
Wrightstown Township
Newtown Township
Northampton Township
Warminster Township
Middletown Township
Falls Township
Upper Southampton Township
Langhorne Borough
Lower Southampton Township
Bristol Township
Langhorne Manor Borough
Penndel Borough
Tullytown Borough
Bensalem Township
Hulmeville Borough
Bristol Borough

Delaware County
Radnor Township

Montgomery County
Abington Township
Upper Moreland Township
Hatboro Borough
Lower Moreland Township
Bryn Athyn Borough

Philadelphia County ZIP codes
19142
19153
19131

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Deborah Fries of the Department of Environmental Protection, +1-484-250-5808,
or Holli Senior of the Department of Health, +1-717-787-1783