Airplanes to spray for mosquitoes in New Orleans

Associated Press | October 10, 2005

Military cargo airplanes will start spraying for flies and mosquitoes in New Orleans on Monday.
Floods from Hurricane Katrina are expected to exacerbate southeastern Louisiana's already considerable mosquito problem. Before the storm hit, the state had recorded 78 cases of mosquito-borne West Nile virus, including four deaths.

The U-S Public Health Service says C-130 planes from the Ohio Air National Guard will spray the chemical Naled to control mosquitoes and flies in the New Orleans area.

The Environmental Protection Agency says the chemical is safe for inhabited areas when used according to the manufacturer's standards and already is routinely used.

In other health news, officials say five hospitals are now operating in New Orleans, making 500 beds available.

Last modified October 10, 2005