Aerial spraying to help combat Eastern Equine Encephalitis in 14 Michigan counties has been completed.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced Tuesday evening that over 557,000 acres targeting 14 counties have been sprayed. The treatment was conducted in portions of St. Joseph, Cass, Allegen, Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Jackson, Kent, Lapeer, Livingstone, Montcalm, Newaygo, Van Buren and Washtenaw Counties. In addition, Fort Custer Training Center, which is in both Calhoun and Kalamazoo Counties, was treated.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Chief Medical Executive for the MDHHS, says in one year we have had more human EEE cases confirmed than in the past decade. She says they chose to conduct aerial treatments to protect the health and safety of Michiganders.

She says they also continue to urge communities and residents to take precautions against mosquito bites as the risk of EEE remains until the first hard frost.

EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the United States, with a 33 percent fatality rate in people who become ill. It leaves many survivors with physical and mental disabilities.

If you are going to be outside during the evening hours, please use insect repellents that have DEET in them. Also, wear pants and long sleeved shirts to help cover yourself.