Why the State Isn’t Spraying for Mosquitoes in Genesee County

Genesee County is NOT being sprayed to prevent Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and here's why.

It was announced last week that aerial pesticide spray would be available to the 15 counties that have been affected by EEE here in Michigan. The mosquito-borne disease has killed 11 people throughout the country with four of them being right here in the mitt. Animal cases have been confirmed here in Genesee County, as well as Livingston and Lapeer counties.

When the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services offered aerial spraying of pesticides, Genesee County declined, saying that they had taken their own steps to prevent the spread of the disease. Municipalities sprayed for mosquitoes and traps were set within a two-mile radius of where the infected animal was found.

The state said that, if more cases are reported, they will once again offer aerial spraying to Genesee County.