LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have confirmed that one deer and one horse in Jackson County tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
The state of Michigan will conduct aerial spraying in 14 counties in lower Michigan where EEE is present, including portions of Jackson County, to kill mosquitoes carrying the virus that causes EEE, according to the Jackson County Health Department.
The health department says aerial spraying in affected areas will begin no sooner than 8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29 and will depend on weather conditions.
The health department said despite when spraying begins, all spraying will conclude by 4:30 a.m.
The health department said approximate boundaries to be spraying in Jackson County include areas in Concord and Grass Lake Townships.
In Concord, Concord Hills Golf Course, the Calhoun County line, Folks Road and Behling Road will serve as a rough estimate of where spraying will occur, according to the health department.
In Grass Lake, approximate boundaries include I-94, the north edge of Wolf Lake, Hayball Road and Maute Road, according to the health department.
The health department said these boundaries are approximate due to drift, and that all large, open bodies of water and reservoirs will be avoided.
The insecticide used is called Merus 3.0, which is an organic pesticide containing 5% pyrethin, according to the health department.
Pyrethrins are chemicals found naturally in some chrysanthemum flowers, according to the health department.
The health department said in general, no short-term or long-term risks to human health are expected during or after spraying.
The health department said Merus 3.0 is used regularly in other parts of the country to prevent EEE with no negative impacts.
The health department said individuals who are over the age of 50, under the age of 15, or have compromised immune systems due to underlying medical conditions or treatments are at elevated risk for contracting the virus.
The health department said to avoid mosquito bites by doing the following:
• Use an EPA-approved insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin and/or clothing. Always follow the directions on the package.
• Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors as the weather permits.
• Consider limiting time outdoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Maintain window and door screening to keep mosquitoes outside.
• Eliminate mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets, children's toys, or other containers around your home.
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