All of Massachusetts is no longer at a high or critical risk for eastern equine encephalitis, state health officials announced Wednesday.
Communities previously deemed to be at a high risk for the mosquito-borne disease are now considered to be at a moderate risk, according to the Massachusetts Department of Health.
The change affects Douglas, Dudley, Harvard, Northbridge, Oxford, Sutton, Uxbridge, and Webster in Worcester County; Carver, Middleborough, and Plymouth in Plymouth County; and Acton, Ayer, Boxborough, Concord, and Littleton, in Middlesex County.
“Our surveillance data and past patterns of disease indicate that the risk from EEE is, thankfully, declining,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “We know that most EEE infections occur by the end of September and this decision reflects that. Some risk from EEE will continue to exist until the first hard frost and we encourage people to continue to take steps to prevent mosquito bites as they enjoy the fall weather.”
There have been 96 EEE-positive mosquito samples in Massachusetts this year.
“Mosquito behavior is more variable at this time of year,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown. “The mosquitoes that are most likely to spread EEE to people are dying off and are present in much smaller numbers. In addition, their activity is driven more by temperature and humidity and somewhat less by the time of day.”
Local and state officials shared the following tips to help prevent mosquito bites and the transmission of West Nile Virus and EEE:
Avoid mosquito bites and 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 the evening, after 6 p.m. or early morning. Otherwise, take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing. Mosquitoes can be active during daylight hours when the temperatures are cool.
Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it is 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 younger than 2 months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children younger than 3 years of age.
Mosquito-proof your Home and 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 fitted screens on all windows and doors.
Protect your animals. Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains.
Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE.
If an animal is suspected of having West Nile Virus or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617- 983-6800.
More information, including all West Nile Virus- and EEE-positive results can be found at this website or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.
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