PUBLIC INFORMATION UPDATE: EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS

PUBLIC INFORMATION UPDATE: EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS

July 29, 2019

Please be advised that the MA Department of Public Health has notified the Raynham Health Department that positive samples for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE ) have been identified from mosquitoes in area communities including Easton, Bridgewater, and Lakeville. It is important to note that the current risk level for EEE in Raynham is low and currently there have been no EEE positive mosquitoes found in Raynham. Also, there have been no reported human or animal cases of West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Massachusetts. Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a rare, but serious illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquito activity and EEE / WNV positive findings are likely to increase due to high levels of precipitation and continued above average temperatures. Even though there have been no human cases reported this year, it is important to always use precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Here are some ways that you can do this:

Apply insect repellent. Use a repellent with an approved EPA registered active ingredient such as DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535. Repellants should be used according to the instructions on the product label.

Wear long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors.

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.

Mosquito-proof your home. Homeowners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by draining standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and flowerpots, rain gutters and drains. Prevent mosquitoes from entering the home by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors and ensure gaps around air conditioner units are properly sealed.

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.

Matthew Tanis

Health Agent

Town of Raynham