2010 2010: Campus ground spraying for mosquitoes on August 18

2010 2010: Campus ground spraying for mosquitoes on August 18
Campus ground spraying for mosquitoes on August 18

The following message was distributed to UMass Dartmouth faculty, staff, and students on August 17 at 10:45 a.m.

To: UMass Dartmouth Community 

From: Sheila Dorgan, Director of Student Health Services 
      Emil Fioravanti, Director of Public Safety 
          
Date: 8/17/2010 

RE: On-Campus Ground Mosquito Spraying August 18 

As you probably already know, this year there has been a marked increase in the number of mosquitoes carrying the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus in Southeastern Massachusetts.  EEE is a rare, but very serious viral disease spread by mosquitoes.  At this time, the Town of Dartmouth is considered at moderate risk for EEE. A key way to diminish the risk of EEE is by spraying for mosquitoes. 

ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, GROUND SPRAYING TO CONTROL THE MOSQUITO POPULATION WILL TAKE PLACE ON CAMPUS BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND 9 A.M. 

The insecticide being used is called Anvil.  Anvil contains Sumithrin, whichcan be found in other pesticide products such as pet shampoo and lice treatments, and is used on pets to control ticks and insects such as fleas and ants.  For some people, short-term exposure to Anvil may exacerbate existing respiratory conditions (e.g. asthma) or cause irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat or lungs.  For this reason, if you are on campus on August 18, you are urged to take the following steps to minimize your exposure risk during the above hours: 

* Stay indoors 
* Keep your windows closed and window fans off. 
* Shut off air conditioners unless they have a setting for re-circulating indoor air. 
* If your skin or clothes or other items are exposed to the sprayed pesticide, wash with soap and water. 
* If the spray gets in your eyes, immediately rinse them with water or eye drops or calls your doctor. 
* If you believe you are having an adverse reaction to pesticide spraying, call your doctor or the Massachusetts Poison Control Center 1.800.222.1222 or go to the Emergency Room. 

The spray dissipates within ten minutes and leaves no residue, so it is safe to walk outside, open windows and use the athletic fields once the spraying is completed. If the weather conditions are not optimal, the spraying might be rescheduled. Please stay alert for future updates. 

For more information regarding EEE and mosquito spraying, go to: 

Massachusetts Department of Health at http://www.mass.gov/dph 

Town of Dartmouth at http://www.town.dartmouth.us 

Or Contact: 

UMD Student Health Services at X8982 

UMD Public Safety Department at X8107