Fellow Corey Lakers,
The Corey Lake Association has received a forwarded communication from the Health Officer at the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency, our local health department, regarding mosquito issues and specifically; the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus which has been impacting S.W. Michigan and our local areas. Our State and local officials remain in communication on this issue and will share updates with us as they become available.
Below is a summary of this communication:
Plans are underway by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to conduct targeted aerial spraying for mosquitos, 2.5 miles around the areas where EEE cases have occurred this year. Townships that could be in the spray area include Nottawa, Leonidas, Colon, Mendon, Fabius, and Flowerfield. Fabius and Flowerfield townships are included because of a confirmed case of EEE in Cass county where the 2.5 mile radius extends into St. Joseph county. (Corey Lake lies within western St. Joseph County and borders Cass County at the western end of Little Corey).
As background, EEE can cause a severe disease that causes death in about 33% of people and can leave those that survive with permanent brain damage. Those most at risk of developing the severe disease tend to be ages 15 and younger and 50 and older. As you may be aware, St. Joseph County has experienced 3 horse deaths from the EEE virus this year, which means that EEE is in our area and that people can be at risk of contracting a severe form of the disease.
Here are some links for additional information:
hhttps://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-73970_71692-508284–,00.html
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-73970_71692-508284–,00.html
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As of 10:23 am 9-25-19: no information was available on planned dates or times for any spraying activities. MDHSS is continuing planning activities which also includes collection and consideration of “sensitive areas”. Updates regarding this issue will be posted as they are received.
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As of 9:16 pm 9-25-19: spraying activities seem to be on hold pending additional research and input from all concerned parties. Planning and research continues. Updates regarding this issued will he posted as they are received.
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9-27-19 from (WoodTV.com) – 14 counties to spray for mosquitoes amid EEE outbreak
“The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced Friday that the following counties are moving forward with a plan to spray for mosquitoes in response to the EEE outbreak: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lapeer, Montcalm, Newaygo, St. Joseph and Van Buren. The spraying is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. Sunday, weather dependent. Residents can get the up-to-date information on the state’s website.”
“The plan is to use an ultra-low concentration of the insecticide called Merus 3.0. Its Illinois-based manufacturer says the spray is Pyrethrum, an extract allegedly from the flowerhead of the chrysanthemum plant. It is supposed to be sprayed by a plane traveling about 175 mph from 300 feet above, delivering about a tablespoon of the active ingredient over an acre.”
EEE and Aerial Spraying Frequently Asked Questions Link
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9-30-19 from (WoodTV.com)- State delays EEE spraying due to weather.
“Aerial mosquito spraying in southwest Michigan that was supposed to start Sunday (9-29-19) has been postponed due to poor weather.” Click on the WoodTV.com link above for more information and the entire story.
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10-1-19 – 7:45 pm – Low flying plane making multiple east / west passes in our area. Appears local mosquito spraying activities are taking place this evening.
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If you have provided a valid email address to the CLA you will receive email communications regarding any updates. Please note that some email addresses we have on file are no longer valid or, were unable to be entered into our system due to our being unable to read them when they were sent in with membership information. If you wish to submit your email for inclusion please use the contact us feature on the CLA website and we will make sure to get you on the list. It is issues such as these that highlight the importance of good communication mediums for our members. We will always do our best to keep you informed.
The Corey Lake Association encourages its members to exercise due caution while out and about, the use of mosquito repellants is highly recommended along with taking appropriate action around your property to eliminate and discourage any potential or likely mosquito breeding mediums. Examples: Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets, barrels, boats and tires. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Empty children’s wading pools and store on their side after use.
Thank you and we will keep you posted.
