Public Notice: Raynham EEE Risk Level Increased to Critical
Public Notice: Raynham EEE Risk Level Increased to Critical
August 16, 2019
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported to the Raynham Health Department today, August 16, 2019 that the risk level for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Raynham has been raised to critical. This is a result of a goat from Norton testing positive for EEE. The towns of Norton and Easton are also at a critical risk level.
There has been one confirmed human case of EEE in a Massachusetts resident this year. EEE is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. EEE is a serious disease in all ages and can cause death. The first symptoms of EEE are fever (often 103º to 106ºF), stiff neck, headache, and lack of energy. These symptoms show up three to ten days after a bite from an infected mosquito. Inflammation and swelling of the brain, called encephalitis, is the most dangerous and common serious complication. The disease generally worsens quickly, and some patients may go into a coma within a week. 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:
Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535 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.
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.
Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
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 discarding 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. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.
Protect Your Animals:
Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is diagnosed with WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to DAR, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795 and to the Department of Public Health (DPH) by calling 617-983-6800.
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. For more information, please visit https://www.mass.gov/mosquito-borne-diseases or call the Raynham Board of Health office at (508) 824-2766. 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
Matthew Tanis
Health Agent
Town of Raynham