The threat of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) continues in Plymouth County prompting state officials to conduct a second round of aerial mosquito spraying that was slated to begin Wednesday night, August 21, and continue over the next several nights.
The first round of aerial spraying was completed between August 8-11 during nighttime hours and covered a wide section of southeastern Massachusetts, including all three of the Tri-Town communities.
This next round of spraying comes after a second human case of EEE was confirmed, this time in Worcester County, and closer to home in Bristol County, a young goat tested positive for the mosquito-borne virus.
“While aerial spraying is an important tool to help us reduce the public health risk of EEE, it’s critically important that everyone in high risk areas continue to take personal precautions against mosquito bites,” said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH in a press release. “These steps include using EPA-approved bug spray, wearing long sleeves and pants to cover exposed skin, and cancelling outdoor activities which take place during the hours from dusk to dawn when mosquito activity is at its highest.”
While aerial spraying can result in a significant decrease in the mosquito population, the Department of Public Health cautions that spraying alone cannot completely eliminate the risk of further EEE cases in humans.
Residents can keep track of scheduled sprayings for their area by visitingwww.mass.gov/guides/aerial-mosquito-control-summer-2019.
There are currently 37 cities and towns currently at either a “critical” or “high” risk for the EEE virus.
Residents with questions about the aerial spraying may contact the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Crop and Pest Services directly at 617-626-1700.
By Jean Perry