Oakland County begins aerial spraying to prevent mosquito-borne illness
Oakland County and nine other Michigan counties will undergo aerial spraying to combat Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), beginning Wednesday evening, September 16, 2020.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) says the mosquito-borne illness has been detected in 22 horses in the state this year. That is twice as many cases as last year, health officials say.
So far this year, no human cases have been detected. An EEE vaccine exists for horses, but not for humans.
The agency says that the pesticide used for the spraying is not expected to have any adverse health effects during or after the treatment. However, you are encouraged to stay inside during the process if you are particularly sensitive to pyrethrins.
Health officials advise people with personal ponds should cover them up before the spraying. It is not necessary to keep your pets indoors during the spraying but concerned pet owners may choose to do so.
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