Mosquito Control District to conduct Aerial Spray in Response to West Nile Virus 9-9-2026
New Release
September 8, 2026
For Immediate Release:
Contact: Randy Gerard
West Umatilla Mosquito Control District
541-567-5201
Mosquito Control District to conduct Aerial Spray in Response to West Nile Virus
Hermiston – The West Umatilla Mosquito Control District will be conducting targeted aerial mosquito control spraying with a twin-engine airplane after sunset on Wednesday, September 9th, weather permitting. The application will be scheduled for the following day if the weather causes a cancellation. The application is taking place to protect the public against mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in areas of Western Umatilla County. A total of about 5,000 acres is in the target area that includes the Power City area between Lind Road and Craig Road. For more information, please contact the West Umatilla Mosquito Control District at 567-5201 or visit the district website at: https://www.wumcd.org
The district now has four confirmed positive samples and is awaiting word on one more that was collected last Thursday and sent to the Oregon State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in Corvallis Oregon for confirmation. The confirmed positive samples have been collected from the Bowdin Road area, the Wanaket Wildlife area, and on Sagebrush Road.
Residents in the district can expect to see an increase in mosquito control operations for the rest of the mosquito season or until about late September in areas that continue to have positive samples. Ultra Low Volume (ULV) applications of insecticides from aircraft and truck mounted sprayers will be used to reduce mosquito populations in areas that are infested. These applications will typically be made after sunset when mosquitoes are most active. All applicators are licensed by the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
West Nile is primarily a bird disease, and some birds, including magpies, blue jays and crows are especially susceptible. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on an infected bird and can pass the virus to humans, horses or other hosts when they bite. The public is encouraged to continue to alert district officials when they come across dead birds, so the district can track the spread of the virus.
The risk of West Nile is low but people are encouraged to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites. Most people who become infected with West Nile Virus do not become ill. Some may develop mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, and occasionally swollen lymph glands or a rash. In rare cases West Nile may cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. Individuals with severe or unusual headaches should seek medical care as soon as possible. Residents of the district should remain vigilant in protecting themselves from mosquitoes and the diseases that they can carry, such as West Nile virus.
Here are some suggestions to reduce the risk of exposure to West Nile:
- Get rid of old tires and other containers where water can accumulate and serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
- Flush or replace the water in horse troughs weekly.
- Be sure to flush or add mosquito fish to ornamental ponds.
- Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in mosquito infested areas.
- Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, making sure to follow the directions on the container.
- Screen doors and windows.
- Report mosquito infestations and dead bird sightings to the West Umatilla Mosquito Control District (541) 567-5201
Because horses are also at risk for West Nile, health officials encourage horse owners to check with their veterinarians for vaccination. Veterinarians can arrange for testing of samples from horses suspected of infection with West Nile virus.
Updates about West Nile Virus in Umatilla County will be released to local media outlets.
Additional information on West Nile is on the Web at:
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/
Oregon Department of Human Services –
https://public.health.oregon.gov/DiseasesConditions/DiseasesAZ/WestNileVirus/Pages/survey.aspx
West Umatilla Mosquito Control District
###
