BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Aerial spraying to control adult mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus has been planned for this week in Bakersfield to help protect public health.

Kern county currently has 48 of California's West Nile virus cases, with a cluster in East Bakersfield.

Infected may also includes birds, sentinel chickens and horses. There have been two human deaths from West Nile virus in Kern county, more than any other county in the U.S.

The spray area includes much of metropolitan Bakersfield, but bypasses the outlying areas of Oildale, Green Acres and Greenfield.

Kern mosquito and vector control district and the Kern County Department of Public Health have responded to the high number of adult mosquitoes being detected and the elevated risk of the public contracting West Nile virus.

Aerial spraying begins 8:30 p.m., Thursday Aug. 9. A second spraying is planned for the week of Aug. 13.

The spray zone encompasses an area of high concentration in West Nile virus activity.

The KMVCD will be using a natural EPA-approved pyrethrin product at a rate of 0.76 fluid ounces per acre.

Residents are not to be alarmed and are required to take no specific action within the affected areas.

The Kern county department of public health has set up a hotline for anyone with questions about the aerial spraying: 661-868-0367.

Go to www.co.kern.ca.us/health for more information. Click here for PDF of area spray maps.