The City of Des Moines is set to commence a community-wide mosquito spray treatment on July 10, 2023, following the alarming detection of over 300 West Nile Virus-positive mosquitoes in local surveillance traps. This initiative is crucial for protecting the health of residents and pets, as no positive cases of the virus have been reported in humans or animals to date. To mitigate the risk of mosquito breeding, residents are urged to eliminate standing water around their properties, which can be found in items like bird baths and wading pools. In addition to property inspections, public health officials recommend using CDC-recommended mosquito repellents and wearing long sleeves and pants, especially during peak activity times at dawn and dusk. The City of Des Moines allows residents to report high mosquito levels and sign up for notifications regarding scheduled treatments through an online hotline.

Residents can also opt-out of mosquito control treatments if they submit a request by a specified deadline. This proactive approach reflects the city's commitment to public health and community well-being amidst rising concerns about mosquito-borne viruses. For further information and updates, residents can visit the city’s official website and social media channels.