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EEE spraying continues Saturday night in Oneida County

Story Created: Aug 28, 2010 at 3:46 PM EDT

Story Updated: Aug 28, 2010 at 3:47 PM EDT

(WKTV) - Because of wind on Friday night, and then darkness, the spraying for EEE virus was cut short.  According to Oneida County Health Department Spokesperson Ken Fanelli, spraying was supposed to begin at 6:00 p.m. Friday night, but because of windy conditions, the spraying didn't began until 7:30 p.m..  Fanelli says the spraying was then called early because of darkness.
    
As a result, only 15,000 of the planned 30,000 acre spray zone was sprayed. Spraying is scheduled to start at 6:00 Saturday evening, and weather permitting, end at 9:00.
    
The spray area is in western Oneida County, near the Oneida/Oswego County border.
    
Over the past few weeks, six mosquito pools with EEE have been found in that area. It is the first time in four years the virus has made its way into the county.
    
EEE, or Eastern Equine Encephalitis is carried by mosquitoes and it effects horses, but it can be contracted by humans. Just this week, Central New York had its first confirmed fatal case of the disease.  A horse in Oswego County died on Friday.
    
No people have gotten sick yet, but Oneida County says the spraying is a preventative measure.
    
The county recommends you and your pets stay inside during the spraying.

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