MICHIGAN (WKZO AM/FM) — Aerial mosquito-control spraying is now complete in Michigan, or at least for the time being.
Officials with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services finished all the treatment areas on Wednesday, spraying more than 462,000 acres across the state.
No additional treatment is planned at this time, but more spraying could occur if areas see additional cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
At last reported on Thursday, 32 animals have contracted the deadly mosquito-borne illness, one Barry County man is recovering from EEE, and there is another suspected human case in Montcalm County.
Impacted areas include Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, Clare, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Livingston, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo and Oakland County.
Chief Medical Executive and Chief Deputy for Health for MDHHS Dr. Joneigh Khaldun says, “Aerial treatment was important to protect the health and safety of Michiganders. We continue to urge communities and residents to take precautions against mosquito bites as the risk of EEE remains until the first hard frost.”
Some prevention tips to avoid mosquito bites are:
- Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved product to exposed skin or clothing, and always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
- Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.
- Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs.
- Use nets and/or fans over outdoor eating areas.
More information about EEE can be found at Michigan.gov/EEE.
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