Expansive 11,500-acre pesticide spraying initiative in Madison County following EEE virus detection in local mosquito population.
Following the announcement by the health department, aerial spraying of the pesticide Kontrol 30-30 is scheduled to take place in the Town of Sullivan, Madison County, on either Friday or Saturday, depending on weather conditions. The spraying will cover approximately 11,500 acres, an area south of State Route 31, west of Lakeport Road, north of Fyler Road, and east of Bridgeport-Kirkville Road.
The spraying is in response to some mosquitoes testing positive for the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus. The health department emphasizes the importance of continuing personal protection measures to avoid mosquito bites because mosquitoes remain active through the fall and mosquito-borne viruses, including EEE, are still detected.
County officials are encouraging people to avoid mosquito bites to protect themselves from viruses spread by infected mosquitoes. Key protective recommendations include using EPA-registered insect repellents for mosquito protection, wearing long sleeves and pants, especially during peak mosquito activity times such as dawn and dusk, and eliminating standing water around homes to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
Residents are also advised to stay informed through the NY-Alert system for emergency notifications about spraying or virus activity, and are encouraged to self-enroll if not already signed up. For further detailed guidance, residents can visit the Madison County Public Health website or call 315-366-2361 for questions on mosquito-borne viruses and personal protection measures.
The health department advises that the risk of health effects from the spraying is low. However, residents should take precautions to minimize pesticide exposure during and shortly after spraying hours, which will be between 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm. People living in the area are urged to stay indoors and keep their windows closed during the spraying hours and an additional 30 minutes.
According to county spokesperson Samantha Field, the last time Madison County conducted aerial spraying was in 2015. The EEE virus can cause severe brain disease if left untreated, making the current measures crucial for public health. Residents are reminded to keep their pets indoors, set air conditioners to recirculate indoor air, and cover outdoor equipment, washing it afterwards with detergent and water.
Officials in Onondaga and Oswego counties also conducted aerial spraying earlier this month after finding mosquitoes with the EEE and West Nile viruses. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and follow protective measures to ensure their safety.
- To maintain personal health and wellness during the ongoing threat of mosquito-borne viruses like Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), it's essential to follow the health department's recommendations, including using EPA-registered insect repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants, and eliminating standing water around homes.
- In light of the increasing number of medical-conditions such as neurological disorders linked to mosquito-borne viruses like EEE and West Nile, it's crucial for residents to stay updated through the NY-Alert system and adopt protective measures like keeping indoors during spraying hours, setting air conditioners to recirculate indoor air, and covering outdoor equipment.
