FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Daylin Leach D-Montgomery www.pahouse.com/Leach

Leach releases information on mosquito treatments for West Nile virus

KING OF PRUSSIA, Aug. 28 – After receiving numerous complaints from constituents about recent aerial mosquito treatments administered by the state Department of Environmental Protection, state Rep. Daylin Leach, D-Montgomery, contacted the department for additional health and scheduling information.    

Leach said the treatments, which aim to protect the public against the mosquito-borne West Nile virus, were not conducted with adequate advance warning so residents could take precautionary actions during the spraying. 

"The treatments are necessary in this area, but all affected residents should have been informed about the spraying and any possible health risks associated with it before hand," Leach said. "To prevent this from occurring again, I contacted the DEP to obtain information on extermination of these mosquitoes and any health and safety concerns related to it.

"Going forward, I would be happy to work with the DEP to more effectively disseminate information about projects like this. Through close involvement with local municipal authorities and neighborhood watch groups, I believe we could initiate a better method to alert the general public."

Leach said the treatments, which were completed in his legislative district recently, were targeted to portions of Bucks, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties where very high numbers of virus-carrying mosquitoes have been recorded. He was informed that initial indications from mosquito traps in Montgomery County suggest that the spray was highly effective.

"While I am glad that the DEP was proactive in minimizing the odds of contracting a potentially fatal virus, I certainly think the concerns expressed by my constituents are warranted," Leach said. "When chemicals are suddenly being sprayed from the sky, it is completely natural to wonder, is it safe for my kids to play in the backyard? Will this hurt my dog or cat?"

Leach said residents can monitor all treatment activities and view online the latest information on the project, including a map of areas that have been and will be treated, at www.westnile.state.pa.us. 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.

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Residents in locations where spraying has not been completed can expect to see low-flying airplanes spraying Resmethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid product, at the rate of 0.0035 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 30 minutes after spraying. That time period will greatly reduce the likelihood of breathing in the pesticide in the 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 1-800-222-1222.

The West Nile virus is carried by certain mosquito species, 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 www.westnile.state.pa.us.

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