State Health Officials Announce Increased Risk of EEE in Some Areas of Southeastern Massachusetts

Several towns in northeastern part of state also at higher risk

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BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced today that two mosquito samples from the town of Mattapoisett have tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), one of which was in a mammal-biting mosquito. As a result, state health officials now consider several more cities and towns in southeastern Massachusetts to be at greater risk of EEE.

With today’s findings, the following cities and towns in the southeastern part of the state are considered at greater risk of EEE: Acushnet, Berkley, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Easton, Freetown, Lakeville, Mattapoisett, Middleboro, New Bedford, Raynham, Rochester, and Taunton.

Earlier this week, state health officials announced that several cities and towns in the northeastern part of Massachusetts are also at higher risk of EEE. These towns include Merrimac, Haverhill and Amesbury.

“It’s not a surprise that we’re now seeing EEE in mammal-biting mosquitoes,” said DPH State Epidemiologist Dr. Al DeMaria. “But we’re going to have beautiful weather this weekend, which means more people outside – and more chance for them to get bitten by mosquitoes. We just want to encourage everyone to protect themselves, especially people in these areas of higher risk.”

There was one human case of EEE during 2008; however there were 13 cases leading to six deaths from 2004 through 2006. EEE is a serious disease in all ages and can cause death.

All positive mosquito results from 2009 can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at westnile.ashtonweb.com.

People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning.
Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Apply Insect Repellent when outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535 according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.
Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

More information is available at: www.mass.gov/dph/wnv. Information about WNV and EEE is also available by calling the DPH recorded information line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968), or the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.

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