Mosquito traps in the New Albany/Plain Township North zone tested positive for West Nile virus, prompting Franklin County Public Health to spray the area Aug. 6, beginning at 9 p.m.
The spraying is weather-dependent.
Plain Township posted the alert on X Thursday evening, directing residents to the agency's spray schedule page. The City of New Albany also amplified the notice, pointing residents to FCPH's mosquito management site for maps and details.
Thursday's application marks the third time this summer that FCPH, led by Health Commissioner Joe Mazzola, has sprayed the North zone. Prior treatments took place June 11 and July 30, both triggered by positive West Nile tests in traps. The South zone has also been sprayed twice this season, on June 18 and July 23.
What residents should know
Franklin County Public Health says staying indoors during spraying is optional. The agency's precautions page recommends:
- Bring pet food and water bowls inside. Pets themselves are safe outdoors.
- Cover ornamental fishponds during the application.
- Bring laundry inside before spraying begins.
- Rinse any exposed fruits or vegetables under running water before eating.
- Outdoor furniture, toys and play equipment can be rinsed with water afterward, though the pesticide degrades quickly in air and light.
- If you encounter a spray truck on foot, make yourself visible and walk in the direction the truck is heading. The driver will shut off the spray.
Anyone who comes in direct contact with the pesticide should wash exposed skin with soap and water.
Staying informed
Residents can sign up for email spray notifications at mosquito.myfcph.org. FCPH posts spray schedules and maps at least 24 hours before each application. The agency's phone number is (614) 525-2483.
No future North zone spray date has been announced. FCPH schedules additional treatments as trap results warrant.
