HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Aerial spraying being conducted in 14 counties, including Allegan, to fight mosquito-borne Disease
As of September 27, nine human cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (Triple E) within six counties in Michigan. Triple E been identified in 27 animals in 13 different counties. As of September 27, Allegan County has not had any reported or confirmed Triple E cases, recently a deer in Barry County, close to the Allegan County border, was identified as infected.
Due to the large geographic distribution and number of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) cases in humans and animals, coupled with warm weather projections, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services officials are planning aerial pesticide spraying to reduce the number of infected mosquitoes in high-risk areas. Twelve local health departments have authorized the aerial spraying in high-risk areas to further fight the spread of EEE.
Spraying will occur in the following 14 counties: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lapeer, Montcalm, Newaygo, St. Joseph and Van Buren. Areas are currently being sprayed are within an approximate 2 to 3-mile radius of a case. Because of the deer case identified in an adjacent county, a portion of Allegan County is included. For up-to-date application area information, visit michigan.gov/EEE
Spraying is set to start, weather permitting, at 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, with the work continuing until 4:30 a.m..
State officials indicated mosquito control professionals will apply approved pesticides as an ultra-low volume (ULV) spray. ULV sprayers dispense very fine aerosol droplets that stay suspended in the air and kill adult mosquitoes on contact. This is a tactic being used in other states, such as Massachusetts, where four people have died from Triple E, and Rhode Island, where one person has died from the infection.
The liquid 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 affect surface water or drinking water.
Although the aerial spray is considered necessary to reduce human risk, it will not eliminate it. Residents must continue to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Residents are encouraged to visit Michigan.gov/EEE for up-to-date information.
Learn more:
· MDHHS Weekly Arbovirus Summary as of 9.26.19
· Allegan County Fight The Bite: Mosquito Bite Prevention and Awareness
