FIRST EEE POSITIVE MOSQUITO DETECTED

No human cases identified

BOSTON -The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced today that Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts for the first time this year. There have been no human cases identified. The mosquito sample was collected on July 4^th in the town of Raynham in Bristol county. While this is an early appearance for EEE virus, overall mosquito numbers are down for this time of year.

In response to this finding, the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project, in collaboration with DPH, will be increasing their mosquito surveillance and control activities in the area.

EEE virus activity has been very intense since 2004 and in 2006, there were five human cases of EEE, with two fatalities. EEE is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The type of mosquitoes that usually carry the virus is found in freshwater, hardwood swamps, such as those found in southeastern Massachusetts.

“We have had three years of significant EEE activity and are not sure what this year will bring,” said DPH Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Al DeMaria. “However, DPH has a strong surveillance program in place to detect the virus and provide early warning of human risk. We have found the virus and are reminding everyone to be aware of the risk and protect themselves.”

By taking a few, common-sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones:

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. Otherwise, take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing.
Clothing Can Help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] 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. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.

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 getting rid of 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 - Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

Report Dead Birds

Dead crows, blue jays or robins may be a sign that WNV, another virus carried by mosquitoes, is circulating among the birds and mosquitoes in an area. Call 1-866-MASS WNV to report a dead bird. By reporting dead birds, you can play an important role in monitoring WNV.

More information is available on the DPH website: www.mass.gov/dph/wnv/wnv1.htm. Information about EEE and WNV is also available by calling the DPH recorded information line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968).

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