EBM or evidenced based medicine is a health care tool that demands one have scientific data when providing medical care. And that the data be meaningful to the care.
As best I know there is no evidence that vector control spraying of mosquitoes in Fargo-Moorhead reduces the cases of mosquito born viral illness (e.g. West Nile Virus).
As best I know there is no evidence that vector control spraying reduces the burden of health care costs associated with mosquito born viruses like WNV.
I do know that every pediatric patient (at MeritCare then Sanford Childrens), whom I cared for and who had WNV, was from a rural area. I believe it possible a Sanford partner or an Essentia practitioner had an urban individual with WNV, but I did not. The majority of WNV cases come from rural communities.
Vector Control spraying does reduce mosquito populations, which is touted as a comfort factor for being outdoors.
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Vector control spraying with Permethrin does kill butterflies, like the migrating monarchs. Aside from the murder of Minnesota’s State Insect, the lesser-known ND State Insects (Convergent Lady Beetles) were likely killed, too.
There are many targeted ways of eliminating mosquitoes to enjoy the outdoors. You can use DEET and Picardin repellents on your skin. These are safe for children when used properly. You can use Permethrin on your clothing to repel mosquitoes. Both the ND and the MN health departments have excellent online information about how to stay comfortable in your backyard.
With a deadly viral outbreak (COVID-19), the wisdom of local leaders in using community resources for a veritable witch-hunt of mosquitoes can and should be called into question. There is just not EBM available that shows a real difference in WNV infections from insecticide spraying.
I would advocate that the monies used for Vector Control spraying would have served the community better had they been used to help COVID-19 control efforts. COVID-19 is a real and present danger and mosquito born illness for urban areas is not.
