12 October, 2011
The Board of Health was notified today by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) of a confirmed Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) positive mosquito pool in the North Street area of town.
The Mass. Dept. of Public Health (MDPH) confirmed that a collection of mosquitoes from a CMMCP surveillance site in the North Street area of town has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Weather conditions are not favorable for any spraying as has been done in recent weeks; personal protection is the best line of defense for residents until we have a good hard frost.
“This is confirmation that the EEE virus is present in this area of town, and residents must do everything possible to avoid mosquito bites” said CMMCP Executive Director, Timothy Deschamps. “EEE is a serious virus, and residents must do everything possible to avoid exposure to mosquitoes. You can help reduce mosquito populations around your home and neighborhood by emptying any containers that collects water. Please use repellents according to label directions if you must be outside in areas with mosquitoes”.
Personal protection measures have an important role to play in monitoring for EEE and protecting yourself and your 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. 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’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.
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.
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.
For more information please call Mosquito Control Project at (508) 393-3055 or log on to their website.
You may also call the Hopkinton Board of Health at (508) 497-9725.
Ed Wirtanen
Public Health Administrator
