Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) Virus Confirmed in Mosquitoes from Merrimac
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced today that the EEE virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected from Merrimac, Massachusetts. There was one EEE virus-positive Culiseta Melanura (bird-biting) mosquito sample identified. In 2005, forty-five EEE virus-positive mosquito samples were identified in twenty-one Massachusetts towns in six counties. Merrimac had no EEE virus-positive mosquito samples identified in 2005.
EEE is a rare but serious illness spread by mosquitoes. Four human cases, two of whom died from the infection, were identified in 2005. While EEE can infect people of all ages, people under fifteen (15) years of age or over fifty (50) years of age are at greatest risk for serious illness. Merrimac and the MDPH recommend that the public take action now to avoid mosquito bites and reduce mosquito populations around their home and neighborhoods.
- Limit your time outdoors during peak periods of mosquito activity (dusk and dawn) or, if you must remain outdoors, wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants.
- Use a mosquito repellent that contains DEET or Picaridin. Oil of lemon eucalyptus may also be considered. Products with permethrin should only be used on clothing. Always follow the directions on the label. Repellents should not be used on children younger than two months of age. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
- Take special care to cover up the arms and legs of children playing outdoors. When you bring a baby outdoors, cover the baby’s carriage or playpen with mosquito netting.
- Fix any holes in your screens and make sure they are tightly attached to all your doors and windows.
- Remove any standing water around your home that is available for mosquito breeding. Mosquitoes will begin to breed in any puddle or standing water that lasts for more than four days. Make sure water does not collect and stagnate in ceramic pots, trash cans, recycling containers, old tires, wading pools, bird baths, etc. Remove leaves and debris that may prevent drainage of roof gutters.
While Merrimac continues to work closely with the MDPH and other agencies, locally we are actively undertaking larviciding and truck spraying via the Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control Agency.
Information about EEE and reports of EEE activity in Massachusetts during 2006 can be found on the MDPH website at http://www.mass.gov/dph/wnv/wnvl.htm. Merrimac will continue to work closely with the MDPH Arbovirus Surveillance Program and the Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control Agency on mosquito control and surveillance efforts. Decisions regarding spraying will be made by the Board of Health in cooperation with the Mosquito Control Agency.
posted: August 30, 2006
Merrimac Board of Health
2 School Street
Merrimac, MA 01860
978-346-4066
boh@townofmerrimac.com