Public Notice: Town Fields and Recreation Areas Closed Dusk through Dawn

Public Notice: Town Fields and Recreation Areas Closed Dusk through Dawn

August 1, 2019

Please be advised, during an emergency meeting on August 1, 2019 the Raynham Board of Health / Board of Selectmen voted to close all town fields and recreation areas from dusk through dawn due to the elevated high risk level of Eastern Equine Encephalitis. While this order only applies to the time between dusk and dawn, the threat does extend into daylight hours.

The MA Dept. of Public Health reported to the Raynham Health Department on June 31, 2019 that 4 additional positive samples for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) have been identified from mosquitoes in Raynham. One of the mosquito species that contained the EEE was Culex Salinarius, which is a mammal biter. As a result of these findings, the risk level for EEE was raised to high.

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. People can help to protect themselves and their loved ones by taking the following few precautions:

Apply insect repellent. Use a repellent with an approved EPA registered active ingredient such as DEET, permethrin, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, 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.

Mosquito-proof your home. Homeowners should drain 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. 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