Aerial spraying treatment for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) will take place in Van Buren County Monday night. According to a map released Sunday, this will be the last day of spraying in southwest Michigan, as long as the weather cooperates.
The only area slated for treatment tonight is 13-2 in Van Buren County and is identified in the Aerial Treatment Zones Map.
All spraying is weather dependent. For more information, visit michigan.gov.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said 541,000 acres have been treated so far. Areas that have been completed include:
- Areas 1-1 and 1-2 in Allegan County
- Area 2-1 in Barry County
- Area 3-1 in Berrien County
- Areas 4-1, 4-2, 4-3 and 4-4 in Calhoun County
- Areas 5-1 and 5-2 in Cass County
- Areas 6-1 and 6-2 in Jackson County
- Areas 8-1 and 8-2 in Kent County
- Area 9-1 in Lapeer County
- Areas 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3 in Montcalm County
- Area 11-1 in Newaygo County
- Areas 12-1, 12-2 and 12-3 in St. Joseph County
- Area 13-1 and 13-2 in Van Buren County
- Area 14-1 in Washtenaw County
- Area 15-1 in Livingston.
EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases, with a 33% fatality rate among humans who contract the disease and a 90% fatality rate among horses. It is transmitted through mosquito bites.
How to protect yourself from EEE
Signs of EEE include the sudden onset of fever, chills, body and joint aches. It can develop into severe encephalitis, resulting in headaches, disorientation, tremors, seizures and paralysis. Permanent brain damage, coma and death may also occur.
MDHHS is advising Michigan residents to take precautions against mosquito bites. They offer this advice:
- 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. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.
- 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.
Mosquito-borne illnesses are a risk in Michigan until nighttime temperatures consistently fall below freezing.
FAQs about EEE and aerial spraying
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