Mosquito traps north of McCoy Road have tested positive for West Nile Virus, prompting another round of spraying in Upper Arlington's north side.

Franklin County Public Health (FCPH) will spray all Upper Arlington neighborhoods north of McCoy Road starting at approximately 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, weather permitting, according to a city alert posted Sunday, Oct. 4.

The Oct. 7 treatment follows several rounds of mosquito spraying across Upper Arlington in September. Areas north of McCoy Road were treated Sept. 7 and Sept. 14, areas south of McCoy were treated Sept. 21, and areas north of Zollinger Road were treated Sept. 28. Most of those treatments followed positive West Nile virus tests in local mosquito traps.

What to expect

FCPH uses truck-mounted electric sprayers that move through neighborhoods after sunset, according to the city's mosquito control page. The sprayers are quieter than traditional gas-powered units. FCPH uses Merus 3.0, a botanical pyrethrin insecticide derived from chrysanthemum flowers, according to the city. Both are applied in ultra-low volume and are required to have minimal residual effect to protect pollinators.

Spraying is the last resort. The city describes it as the final step in its integrated mosquito management program with FCPH, used only after trap data shows disease or high population counts.

Protecting yourself

West Nile Virus spreads through mosquito bites. Most people who contract it show no symptoms, but about one in five develop fever, headache and body aches, the Columbus Dispatch reported in September, citing the CDC. About one in 150 infected people develop serious complications, including encephalitis or meningitis. People older than 60 and those with conditions such as cancer or diabetes face higher risk.

The city recommends wearing light-colored, long-sleeved clothing and using mosquito repellent when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk. Products containing picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus offer protection, according to the city's mosquito control page.

Opting out

Residents who do not want their property sprayed can submit a Do Not Spray form through FCPH's website. The form requires five business days to take effect. With only two business days remaining before Wednesday's spray, the opt-out window for this round has likely passed.

FCPH posts spray zone maps and precautions on its online Mosquito Dashboard. Residents can register there for email updates ahead of future spray events or call FCPH at (614) 525-3719.