Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) Virus Confirmed in Mosquitoes from the Town of Raynham

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) Virus Confirmed in Mosquitoes from the Town of Raynham

July 30, 2019

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported to the Raynham Health Department this afternoon that positive samples for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) have been identified from mosquitoes in Raynham. The samples were collected from mosquito traps in the southwest quadrant of town on July 28, 2019. One of the mosquito species that contained the EEE was Culex Salinarius, which is a mammal biter. As of today, no animals or humans have been reported to have contracted either WNV or EEE in Massachusetts.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a rare, but serious illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. While EEE can infect people of all ages, people under 15 years of age or over 50 years of age are at greatest risk for serious illness. Mosquito activity and EEE / WNV positive findings are likely to increase due to high levels of precipitation and continued above average temperatures. People can help to protect themselves and their loved ones by taking the following few precautions:

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. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellant.

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), IR3535 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.  Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin. 

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

Drain Standing Water – Many 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.

While the Raynham Health Department continues to work closely with the MDPH and other agencies, locally we are actively undertaking efforts to make information available to the public. Fact sheets on EEE and on reducing exposure and risk are available on the Town website at https://www.town.raynham.ma.us/health-department

This is a message from the Raynham Health Department. For more information, please visit https://www.mass.gov/mosquito-borne-diseases or call the Raynham Board of Health office or call the Raynham Board of Health office at (508) 824-2766.

Matthew Tanis

Health Agent

Town of Raynham