Monthly Archives: September 2020

(September 17, 2020 5:51 PM) With the confirmation of six additional horse cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) – a potentially deadly mosquito-borne virus affecting both people and animals – aerial treatment is slated to continue tonight and additional treatment blocks have been added to the overall plan, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced today. The new cases of EEE in horses added Livingston County to the list bringing the total to 28 cases in 11 counties. Impacted counties are now Barry, Clare, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Livingston, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo and Oakland. In addition, there is one suspect case of EEE in a Barry County resident. “These additional cases of EEE in horses underscores the importance of providing aerial treatment in the affected counties,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “There is an ongoing threat to the health and safety of Michiganders as we know mosquitoes are carrying this potentially deadly disease in these areas. Last year, 10 families were devastated by this disease and we are trying to protect others from being infected.” “Horse owners are not required to vaccinate their animals for EEE,” said State Veterinarian…

(September 17, 2020 5:42 PM) The Jackson County Health Department (JCHD) was notified on Thursday, September 17, of a horse that tested positive in Henrietta Township for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). One additional horse case was reported earlier this month and no human cases of EEE have been confirmed in Jackson County. This case brings the total for the State of Michigan to 28 horse cases and 1 suspect human case. As a result of this case, an additional mosquito control treatment area in Jackson County has been added by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Mosquito control aerial spraying began on Wednesday, September 16 but, as spraying is weather dependent, it is unknown how many days it will take for all blocks to be sprayed. See www.Michigan.gov/EEE for aerial spraying maps, areas completed, and spraying schedules.  Block 2-1 shown on the map could be sprayed tonight if they complete a number of other blocks and the weather stays warm enough (above 50 degrees) long enough.  Aerial spraying is completed by a low-flying aircraft, beginning at dusk and continuing until 4:30 a.m. the next morning. Mosquito control professionals will apply approved pesticides as an ultra-low volume (ULV) spray…