DEP To Conduct Mosquito Spraying In Carbon, Erie Counties Sept. 24 To Combat Deadly Easter Equine Encephalitis; Monroe County Will Spray As Well

On September 23, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it would be conducting mosquito spraying operations in Carbon and Erie counties where evidence of mosquito-borne Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been found.

In Monroe County, where mosquitoes capable of transmitting EEE were also found, the county will conduct its own mosquito control operation.

Carbon County

DEP will conduct truck mounted ultra-low volume mosquito control operations in parts of Mahoning Township on September 24.

DEP is currently conducting a survey to determine whether mosquitoes in the area pose a risk to human health. If the survey does find a risk, residential and recreational areas in this township will be sprayed for adult mosquitoes starting late evening on September 24. 

The product that will be used is DeltaGuard and AquaDuet applied at a rate of .75 oz/ac. These products are designed to provide quick knockdown and effective control of adult mosquitoes.

Erie County

DEP will conduct truck mounted ultra-low volume mosquito control operations in parts of Waterford on September 24.

DEP is currently conducting a survey to determine whether mosquitos in the area pose a risk to human health. If the survey does find a risk, residential and recreational areas in this borough will be sprayed for adult mosquitoes starting late evening on September 24. 

The product that will be used is DeltaGuard and AquaDuet applied at a rate of .75 oz/ac. These products are designed to provide quick knockdown and effective control of adult mosquitoes.

Weather conditions and other unexpected events could delay or cancel these spraying operations.

Background - EEE

On September 21, the departments of Agriculture and Health announced they had found the mosquito-borne illness-- Eastern Equine Encephalitis-- in Erie, Carbon and Monroe counties.

EEE is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus. The virus infects birds that live in freshwater swamps and is spread from bird to bird by infected mosquitoes. If a mosquito infected with the virus bites a horse or human, the animal or person can become sick. The risk of getting EEE is highest from late July through September.

This disease can also be fatal-- three out of every ten people who get the disease die from it.

EEE is a virus carried by birds. If a mosquito bites an infected bird it can then transmit the potentially fatal virus to humans, horses, and other birds. 

Because of the high mortality rate in horses and humans, EEE is regarded as one of the most serious mosquito-borne diseases in the United States. 

Through mid-September, there have been 18 cases reported to the CDC from across the country in 2019, with the majority of the cases in the states of Massachusetts, Michigan, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and North Carolina. 

Seven deaths have been reported making 2019 the worst year for EEE in the decade since the CDC has been keeping records.

The symptoms of EEE in people are: High fever (103º to 106ºF), Stiff neck, Headache, and Lack of energy.

These symptoms typically show up three to ten days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Inflammation and swelling of the brain, called encephalitis, can develop. The disease gets worse quickly, and some patients could end up in a coma within a week. 

Click Here to read the Department of Health Eastern Equine Encephalitis factsheet. 

Background - West Nile Virus

On September 17, the departments of Health and Environmental Protection announced the season’s first probable human case of the mosquito-borne West Nile Virus was found in Philadelphia.

On September 23, the Department of Environmental Protection reported a total of 33 of 67 counties now have mosquitoes or animals that test positive for West Nile Virus.

For more information about West Nile virus and the state's surveillance and control program, please visit the West Nile Virus website.

Precautions For Both Diseases

When outdoors, people can avoid mosquito bites by properly and consistently using DEET-containing insect repellents and covering exposed skin with lightweight clothing. To keep mosquitoes from entering a home, make sure window and door screens are in place and are in good condition.

Homeowners should take steps to eliminate standing water around their property to reduce mosquito populations. Here are some simple steps you can take:

-- Remove tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, discarded tires or any object that could collect standing water. Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors.

-- Have roof gutters cleaned annually, particularly if leaves from nearby trees have a tendency to clog the drains.

-- Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.

-- Do not let water stagnate in bird baths.

-- Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.

-- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and remove standing water from pool covers.

-- Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.

-- Treat standing water that cannot be eliminated with Bti products, which are sold at outdoor supply, home improvement, and other stores. Bti is a natural product that kills mosquito larvae, but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.
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Mosquito-borne Eastern Equine Encephalitis Confirmed In Erie, Carbon, Monroe Counties; Both People & Animals Can Be Affected
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