LANSING, Mich. — After an outbreak of eastern equine encephalitis in horses, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says 10 counties will be sprayed for mosquitoes Wednesday night, September 16.
A similar effort was made in 2019, when 557,000 acres were treated in Michigan.
EEE can not only kill horses but humans as well. The disease has a mortality rate in humans of 33 percent.
FAQ : Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Aerial Treatment
The spraying will be done from dusk on Wednesday until the early morning hours of Thursday, when mosquitos are most active and fish are less active at the surfaces of waterways, said MDHHS.
Spraying will be done in Kent, Ionia, Barry, Newaygo, Mecosta, Montalm, Clare, Isabella, Jackson, and Oakland counties.
The substance used in the spray is called Meru 3.0, which contains a botanical insecticide extracted from chrysanthemums and kills mosquitos on contact. MDHHS says no health problems are expected during or after spraying. Aside from covering ornamental ponds in the spray area, residents need to take no other precautions.
Weather conditions could affect spraying operations and could cause rescheduling of the project. Specialized aircraft staffed with certified mosquito control professionals will be used.
State of Michigan web site on eastern equine encephalitis
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Related: First case of EEE detected in horse in Kent County
