More EEE Mosquitoes found in Southeastern Mass.

DPH announced today that its latest testing has revealed mosquitoes infected with Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in the city of New Bedford and in the town of Easton.  There have been no human cases of EEE identified so far this summer, but public health officials are urging residents to take precautions against mosquito bites.

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 West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis is also available by calling the DPH recorded information line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968), or the Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.

Comments

[steve]

Can we drain selected non-critical, 3 months a year wet spots too, or do we let the millionth plus one salamander trump human life threatening diseases? Oh yeah, I suppose due to the lack of such preditors mosquito dangers such as this are on the rise. I see. Watch your child die of EEE in YOUR back yard, on YOUR property while holding the newt YOU protected following THEIR restrictive regulations. Now THAT'S natural selection at it's finest!

[lily]

what does it feel like like when you get bit by one