(Wampsville, NY – Aug. 2014) Recent mosquito surveillance activities by Madison County have provided more evidence of EEE. EEE was detected in two additional mosquito pools collected recently on Moore Road in the Town of Sullivan. A total of 5 mosquito pools in the Town of Sullivan have now tested positive for EEE.
Due to the continued detection of EEE at this time, the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, John Becker, anticipates declaring a state of emergency on Monday, Aug. 25 in order to enact an agreement to conduct aerial spraying. It is expected that spraying will be performed tonight between 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.
In anticipation of this declaration, Madison County Health Department is making plans for aerial spraying in the Town of Sullivan as soon as Tuesday, Aug. 26.
Weather and wind permitting, aerial spraying is expected to occur as soon as the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 26. In the event of poor weather, spraying may occur the next appropriate day. Further details on the day and time of spraying will be announced through the news media and by phone calls to landlines in affected areas using the NY-Alert system to ensure the public has the opportunity to prepare in advance.
Steps to Take to Prepare for Spraying
Although the chances of experiencing any health effects from spraying are low, the following steps will help you reduce possible exposures to pesticides before and during spraying:
If possible, stay inside during the expected time of spraying or avoid that area whenever spraying takes place and for about 30 minutes after spraying. That time period will greatly reduce the chance of breathing in pesticides in the air.
Children and pregnant women should avoid exposure when practical.
Close windows and doors and turn-off window air-conditioning units or close their vents to circulated indoor air before spraying begins. Windows and air-conditioner vents can be reopened about 30 minutes after spraying.
Pick homegrown fruits and vegetables you expect to eat soon before spraying begins.
Cover tables and play equipment before spraying.
Bring in laundry and small toys insides before spraying.
Bring in pet food and water dishes inside.
Cover ornamental fishponds to avoid direct exposure to pesticides during spraying.
Steps to take after spraying:
If you come in direct contact with pesticide spray, protect your eyes. If you get pesticide spray in your eyes, immediately rinse them with water. Wash exposed skin. Wash clothes that come in direct contact with spray separately from other laundry.
Wash hands and skin that came in contact with outdoor surfaces just after spraying.
Rinse homegrown fruits and vegetables (all produce) thoroughly with water before cooking or eating.
Wash outdoor tables and play equipment with detergent and water if not covered and exposed to pesticides during spraying.
Wash laundry and small toys with detergent and water if they were exposed to pesticides during spraying.
Consult your healthcare provider if you think you are experiencing health effects from spraying.
Aerial spraying can be effective in reducing mosquito populations; it does not eliminate all mosquitoes or the risk for EEE. Spraying is only a temporary control measure. Preventing mosquito bites using insect repellant and by wearing clothes covering exposed skin when outdoors remains extremely important to reduce risk of getting EEE from an infected mosquito.
A map of the potential spray area, pesticide information, and EEE information is available on the Madison County Health Department website www.healthymadisoncounty.org or by calling 315-366-2361.