Residents Reminded to Stay on Guard for EEE

Health Officials Remind Residents to Take Precautions to Avoid Mosquito Bites

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today raised the mosquito alert level from moderate to high in the cities and towns of Raynham and Easton. The decision was made after three mosquito samples, including one mammal-biting species, tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Easton. EEE positive mosquito samples have also been found this week in Amesbury, Haverhill, Methuen, Fairhaven, Rochester, Leominster and Webster.

DPH uses a 5 stage scale, ranging from remote to critical, to indicate the risk of human disease. Alert levels in Leominster and Webster increase from remote to low and Westport was elevated to moderate due to the identification of a EEE infected horse in Tiverton, Rhode Island.

“The Spring rains helped breed the types of mosquitoes that spread EEE,” said DPH State Epidemiologist Dr. Al DeMaria “Because of that, Massachusetts and other New England states are continuing to find EEE carrying mosquitoes; not only in the areas we traditionally find them, but occasionally well outside of those areas as well. Personal precautions remain the most reliable form of protection.”

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 for people of all ages and can cause death. EEE is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.

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 on the DPH website: www.mass.gov/dph/wnv. Information about WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (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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