Ilkart County, Indy. (WNDU) – Elkart County has declared a health emergency to reduce the spread of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEE virus.
According to our reporting partners at The Goshen News, declaring a health emergency could allow authorities to start spraying any part of the county to kill mosquitoes.
The emergency was declared Friday, and a quickly arranged meeting was held with members of the county health department and the emergency management agency.
The Indiana State Health Department also reported the need to spray for mosquitoes to Elcart, Lagrange, Kosisco, Noble, Marshall and Laport counties.
Sprinkling in the scheme is scheduled to begin in the northeast corner of the county around noon on September 22nd. This is according to Carla Cracksmer, environmental health manager at the local health department.
In case of incomplete weather, spying will be done on Wednesday evening.
There are several cases of EEE in horses, and in some men, who are deciding to spray.
As of Tuesday, the EEE had “two horses in Lagrage County and in Cosico County, and one person, as a possible case, appeared in Laporte County,” according to The Goshen News.
No cases have been reported in Elkart County so far.
EEE is considered rare in people but fatal. According to Kraxmer, the mortality rate in humans is about 33%, and in horses about 0%.
According to the county’s emergency declaration, EEE is a “serious and fatal disease.”
The declaration of emergency includes tips to prevent mosquito bites, such as:
Qu Avoid mosquito-breeding areas;
Stay indoors during hours when Mos mosquitoes are active;
Using sp bug sprays and repellents;
Areas in areas where mosquitoes are active when wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants;
Empty standing standing water containers, drain gutters, grow more vegetation, and maintain screened doors and windows.
Tips were also placed in the announcement as spraying is only being done in a specific part of the county.
The declaration of emergency will expire next Friday, unless the county leaders decide to extend it.
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