The Vermont Department of Health will do an aerial pesticide spraying around Brandon and Whiting between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. tonight to reduce the risk of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus, which are diseases spread by mosquitoes. You can read more about the spraying on the Vermont Department of Health’s website.
The Vermont Department of Health reported yesterday that one of the two confirmed patients with EEE has died from the disease. EEE causes flu-like symptoms (headache, body aches, fever) but can also get worse and cause seizures, paralysis or death. There is no specific treatment. Although EEE is serious, it is very rare.
The aerial spraying will use a small amount of pesticide and the health risk to people and animals is very low. People with breathing problems may be sensitive to this pesticide and should take some simple precautions (although problems have not been reported by other states using this pesticide under similar circumstances).
For those in the spraying area (including anyone with breathing problems):
- Stay inside between 8 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Bring your pets inside too (if you can).
- Close your windows and doors and turn off air-conditioning units between 8 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
- If you get the spray on your skin or in your eyes, wash your skin and flush your eyes call the NNEPC at 1-800-222-1222 for advice on how to do this.
If you are not feeling well after the spraying, contact your health care provider or the NNEPC.
Some things you can do before the spraying:
- Pick fruits or vegetables in your garden that are close to being ready to eat.
- Cover outdoor tables and play equipment with a tarp and wash them with soap and water after the spraying.
- Bring laundry and small toys inside beforehand. Wash them with soap and water if they are left outside.
- Bring pet food and water inside before the spraying begins and keep inside until after 11:30 p.m.
You can help prevent EEE and West Nile Virus:
- Get rid of standing water (like water left in a bucket or in a birdbath) in your yard. This is where mosquitoes breed.
- Keep mosquitoes out of your home with screens.
- Stay inside during peak mosquito times (dusk and dawn).
- When outside, wear long sleeves, pants and socks and cover as much skin as you can.
- Use effective insect repellent (DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon or eucalyptus, IR3535). Make sure you follow the directions on the label.
Call or chat with the NNEPC if someone gets a repellent in their mouth or eyes, has trouble breathing, or gets a rash.
