The risk for infection of the deadly EEE Virus was increased from High to Critical this week after pools of mosquitoes carrying the illness turned up in both Rochester and Mattapoisett. The summer of 2012 has brought one of the highest concentrations of harmful mosquitoes to the state in history.
“This is the worst it has been because it’s not only concentrated in our area, but it’s populated throughout the state,” said Marion and Rochester Health Officer Karen Walega. “It’s an historic year for the mosquitoes.”
The first positive sample of EEE mosquitoes turned up on Friday, September 7 in Mattapoisett. The Massachusetts Department of Health sampled several pools of mosquitoes in town when they found mosquitoes carrying the illness. The second positive sample of EEE was found in a horse stable in Rochester on Monday, September 10.
“Having a confirmed horse with EEE really kicks everything up a few notches,” said Walega. “Having EEE in the horse population makes it very easy for it to be transferred to humans.”
EEE is a rare but serious illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. The illness can affect people of all ages, but those under the age of 15 and over the age of 50 are at the greatest risk.
So far this summer, there have been three human cases of EEE detected. Most recently, a girl under the age of 18 was hospitalized last week and is fighting the illness. A Worcester man in his 70s died from EEE in August.
In order to prevent mosquito bites, residents are urged to stay indoors and curtail all outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours from dusk until dawn. Additionally, strong repellants as well as long pants and sleeves should be worn while outdoors. Any standing water on any property should be drained and all screens should be repaired if there are holes.
The Plymouth County Mosquito Control will be conducting a ground spraying from the hours of 3:00 am to 6:00 am in Rochester and in Mattapoisett on Friday, September 14, weather permitting. Both towns will be sprayed in their entirety, school included.
Residents should continue taking precautions until the first hard frost of the season when a large majority of the mosquitoes will be killed off. That frost usually occurs in late October or early November.
For the latest information on the mosquito situation across the state of Massachusetts, log on to www.mass.gov/dph.
By Katy Fitzpatrick
