Aerial Spraying to Eradicate Encephalitis

MASSACHUSETTS (GaeaTimes.com) - Aerial spraying will hit south eastern region of Massachusetts as an initiative to eradicate the region’s mosquito pollution and prevent human cases of the deadly blood-borne disease Eastern equine Encephalitis. This initiative will be taken by the health officials tonight after dusk over 285,000 acres of land.

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain, caused due to a virus, which is carried by the mosquito. This disease mainly affects children causing headache, hallucination, memory loss, vomiting and even coma. The Governor, Deval Patrick on Tuesday declared that the spraying of the pesticide will begin on Wednesday and continue till Thursday. The planes will carry the insecticide Anvil. Its active ingredient Sumithrin, is short-lived in the environment and breaks down rapidly in sunlight.

Critics has raised their voice against the excessive use of this pesticide. But according to health officials the concentration of this pesticide is very low. The residents are asked to follow certain precautions before the spraying begins, like to close the windows, put off fans, and cover all fish ponds.

Massachusetts is carrying a great deed towards eradicating Encephalitis and maintaining proper health of people.