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KALAMAZOO, MI – State health officials have reached out to countries affected by the recent outbreak of deadly mosquito transmitted mosquito encephalitis with the option of spraying pesticides to curb its spread .
Mosquito control is usually done at the local level, but due to the spread of the virus in many counties, the state has decided to intervene, said spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Health. Michigan Social Services, Lynn Sutfin.
A total of 11 counties reported animals or humans that were infected with the mosquito-borne virus, according to MDHHS. Eight human cases have been confirmed and three people from Michigan have died of the virus. The deaths occurred in the counties of Cass, Kalamazoo and Van Buren, according to state data.
Public health officials have called this intervention "the worst epidemic" in more than a decade.
Discussions between state and county health departments are ongoing, Sutfin said. Decisions on the location, timing and mode of aerial spraying have not yet been finalized.
If and when aerial spraying occurs, residents will receive several days' notice and information on suggested precautions, she said.
The Department of Health and Community Services of Kalamazoo County has not made a final decision on its acceptance, said health officer Jim Rutherford.
On Tuesday, Sept. 17, state health officials warned the public to avoid outdoor activities at dusk and encouraged local leaders in eight counties to postpone any outdoor event.
"The severity of triple E and the resulting health effects for the Michigand are also a factor," said Sutfin.
According to MDHHS, only 4 to 5% of people will get sick when they are infected with the virus. According to MDDHS, less than 1% of those infected will develop a serious neurological disease causing inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues.
According to the MDDHS, about 30% of people developing a neurological infection due to an EEE will die.
The virus was found in 23 different animals across 11 counties in Michigan, according to state data.
Of the six counties that have confirmed human cases – Barry, Calhoun, Cass, Van Buren, Berrien and Kalamazoo Counties – Kalamazoo County reported the highest number with three cases.
Kalamazoo County Commissioner Mike Quinn, a Democrat representing District 10, said he objected to the idea of spraying pesticides.
"The main concern is that, in my opinion, the spread of poison is generally a bad option for pest control because of collateral damage to all creatures," he said. "Not only insects, but also creatures that feed on insects."
County commissioners will likely not participate in the final decision, but Quinn said that as a public servant, he would be willing to hear more information on the effectiveness of spraying. Until then, he said, he does not support it.
"I am aware that mosquitoes can transplant deadly diseases, I have had malaria myself twice while serving in the Peace Corps," he said. "But the number of human cases reported in Kalamazoo County is very small and I can not see the justification for that at this time."
In addition to avoiding outdoor activities, especially after dusk and before dawn, state health officials and local authorities also give residents of affected areas advice on how to they can minimize their risk of contracting the virus.
Public health officials advise people to use an insect repellent with DEET, to wear long trousers and sleeves, to make sure windows and mosquito nets are secure and to empty the clothes. stagnant water pots, buckets, barrels and tires.
People working outdoors and having fun in areas where the virus is detected are at increased risk of infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people over the age of 50 and under 15 appear to be most at risk of developing a serious illness.
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