KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Kalamazoo County has released an official timeline of events surrounding the decision to conduct an aerial spray meant for mosquitoes in the area and the subsequent cancellation of the spray.
The initial decision to spray was accepted on the recommendation of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), but was later cancelled when a large number of citizens opted out of the treatment.
The entire timeline was listed in an official press release which can be viewed below:
Friday, September 27th –
- MDHHS issued a press release at 12:15 p.m. regarding the decision of aerial spraying being conducted by fourteen (14) counties to combat mosquito-borne disease. MDHHS press release indicated that the spraying was scheduled to take place starting Sunday, September 29 at 8:00 p.m.
- HCS issued a press release at 12:30 p.m. announcing the decision to opt in for aerial spraying in Kalamazoo County, which included MDHHS press release and announced a scheduled press conference by HCS for 3:00 p.m.
- MDHHS created a “Frequently Asked Questions” document to answer resident questions regarding EEE, the spraying plan, and the insecticide chosen, Merus 3.0. The FAQ document was shared on the Kalamazoo County website as well as the HCS Facebook page at approximately 12:45 p.m. The FAQ document addresses the question, “Can residents opt out of the aerial spraying?”. Under State law with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) residents must be notified 48 hours prior to any insecticide application on property allowing residents the choice to opt out of the application.
- HCS held a press conference at 3:00 p.m. where EEE, merus 3.0 and the opt out option was discussed.
- On the HCS Facebook page at 4:05 p.m. a post was made specifically regarding the opt-out option and how residents could exercise their rights under the State law with MDARD.
Wednesday, September 30th –
On this date, Kalamazoo health officials were notified that an aerial mosquito spray would no longer be effective.
“Due to the large amount of residents who have chosen to exercise their option to opt out under the MDARD law, aerial application of insecticide will no longer be an effective treatment option for Kalamazoo County.” said James Rutherford, Health Officer Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services.
Health officials are still urging Kalamazoo citizens to take proper precautions against mosquito bites. The press release lists the following tips below:
- Apply EPA registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol, and 2-undecanone; follow the product label instructions and reapply as directed.
- Don’t use repellent on children under 2 months old. Instead dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs and cover crib, stroller and baby carrier with mosquito netting.
- Wear shoes and socks, light-colored long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors.
- Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings.
- Use bed nets when sleeping outdoors or in conditions with no window screens.
- Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding around your home, including water in bird baths, abandoned swimming pools, wading pools, old tires and any other object holding water once a week.
- Use nets and/or fans over outdoor eating areas
The news of the timeline comes following the fourth EEE-related death in Michigan.
