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(c) 2010-2024 Jon L Gelman, All Rights Reserved.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Aerial spraying pesticides to fight mosquitoes raises concerns over compensability for exposures

Based on reports from the  United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) arial spraying of pesticides has been mandated in Texas because of the number of reported cases of West Nile Flu. Questions are now being raised as to the availability of workers' compensation benefits for workers who suffer illnesses flowing from the consequences of pesticide exposures.

The arial spraying of Dallas County commenced last night  with two planes being utilized, and will be continuing over the next few evenings in order to battle the mosquito population that is spreading the disease. The population is being requested to remain indoors to avoid exposure.

The state of Texas is not the only area in the United States where West Nile Flu is now spreading and preventive measures are being taken to stem the potential of an epidemic of illness. Throughout United States during 2012 there has been an increase in the amount of cases it being reported. See the CDC map above.

In most jurisdictions, workers' compensation benefits are available as a result of occupational exposures. There is the potential for a surge of claims as the network of benefits programs remains unprepared, especially in its beleaguered state. More preparation needs to be undertaken to handle such potential consequences such as a West Nile epidemic.

Read other blog posts about flu

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