ALLEGAN COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Another case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis was found in Southwest Michigan on Saturday. This time it was in Allegan County.
The Allegan County Health Department reports that a deer tested positive for the disease making it the first confirmed case of EEE in an animal or human in the county.
To date, health officials are currently reporting nine human cases of EEE E within six counties along with the now 28 additional cases identified in animals across 13 counties.
Twelve local health departments across the state have authorized the aerial spraying in high-risk areas to further fight the spread of triple EEE.
Spraying was planned for Sunday evening in 14 Michigan counties affected by the disease to include Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and Van Buren among others, but it was delayed due to bad weather.
Although the aerial spray is considered necessary to reduce human risk, health officials said it will not eliminate it. Residents must continue to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Health officials said:
“The product being used is called Merus 3.0. It is an EPA-registered, organic botanical adult mosquito insecticide containing five percent pyrethrins, which are naturally found in chrysanthemum flowers. Merus 3.0 can be used around organic crops and gardens. In general, health risks are not expected during or after spraying. No special precautions are recommended; however, residents and individuals who have known sensitivities to pyrethrins can reduce potential for exposure by staying indoors during spraying. Aerial spraying is not expected to have any impacts on surface water or drinking water.”
Residents are encouraged to log onto www.michigan.gov/EEE for answers to frequently asked questions, aerial treatment zones, along with tips and other information.
