(Town of Sullivan, NY – Aug. 13, 2015_ Madison County Health Department plans to conduct aerial spraying in the Town of Sullivan tonight between 6:30 and 9:30 pm. The Health Department made the decision to spray after finding evidence of six mosquito pools positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and one mosquito pool positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) to date this season.
In the event of poor weather, spraying may occur tomorrow.
Notifications of spraying are being announced through the news media, by phone calls to landlines in affected areas using the NY-Alert system, Madison County website and Facebook page, Madison County Health Department website, and Madison County Emergency Management Twitter feed.
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:
- When practical, 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.
- 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.
- Consult your healthcare provider if you think you are experiencing health effects from spraying.
Aerial spraying can be effective in reducing mosquito populations but is only a short-term control measure; it does not eliminate all mosquitos or the risk for EEE. 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. EEE infections in humans can cause serious illness or even death.
Spraying will occur over the Black Creek Swamp area of the Town of Sullivan with approximate boundaries described as follows: South of Route 31, West of Lakeport Road, North of Fyler Road, and East of Kirkville-Bridgeport Road.
A map of the spray area, pesticide information, and steps for residents and beekeepers to take to prepare for spraying is available on the Madison County Health Department website www.healthymadisoncounty.org or by calling 315-366-2361.