Fight against West Nile virus underway in Montgomery Co.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX (KTRK) -- An aerial attack has become in Montgomery county to kill of mosquitoes after more than a dozen people come down with the West Nile virus this season.

The twin-engine plane took off Saturday evening from Conroe airport to spray thousands of acres from the air.

The mission will last for a week and will eventually cover about a quarter of a million acres at a tune of nearly a million dollars to taxpayers.

"You've got to be outdoors. You can't be scared to come outside," said Travis Bryant.

Bryant and his friend were seen Saturday evening playing basketball at Terramont Park, the same park where mosquitoes earlier this season tested positive for the West Nile Virus. So far in Montgomery County, 13 people have been diagnosed with West Nile and one person has died.

"We are on track for one of the worst West Nile seasons we've ever had," said Montgomery County Commissioner James Noack.

Noack has been a supporter of the aerial mosquito spraying. He voted to spend $900,000 to contract the service.

"I hope it helps. It should help. Where we lived formally in Beaumont they did it every night," said Woodlands resident Jay Procter.

But not everyone has been a supporter. Some residents have lashed out at Commissioner Noack fearing the chemical used to kill off the mosquitos may harm them, children and the environment.

"We certainly understand their position, but we believe we are acting in the greater good," said Noack.