August 8, 2007

Public Health Advisory

Second Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Positive Mosquito Pool Detected

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced today that Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts for the second time this year. The mosquito sample was collected in the town of Seekonk in Bristol County. EEE had already been found in mosquitoes in Raynham at the beginning of July.

In response to this finding, the Bristol Mosquito Control Project, in collaboration with DPH, will be increasing their mosquito surveillance and control activities in the area.

There have been no human cases of EEE detected this season.

Last year, there were five human cases of EEE, with two fatalities. EEE is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The type of mosquitoes that usually carry the virus is found in freshwater, hardwood swamps, such as those found in southeastern Massachusetts.

West Nile Virus (WNV), another mosquito-borne illness, has been detected in mosquitoes and birds in several Massachusetts communities this month. While WNV has been more prevalent health officials urged the public to be vigilant against EEE as well.

“Despite the recent WNV activity that has been detected, we shouldn’t forget that southeastern Massachusetts remains a risk area for EEE” said DPH Director of Communicable Disease Control, Dr. Al DeMaria. “While we are not currently seeing evidence of the intense EEE activity that occurred over the last few years, the virus is present in the environment and we will continue
our surveillance for it. We are asking the public to help protect themselves by taking precautions.”

By taking a few, common-sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones:

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. Otherwise, take extra care to
  use repellent and protective clothing.
• 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), 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.

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 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.

Report Dead Birds

• Dead crows, blue jays or robins may be a sign that WNV, another virus
  carried by mosquitoes, is circulating among the birds and mosquitoes in an
  area. Call 1-866-MASS WNV to report a dead bird. By reporting dead birds,
  you can play an important role in monitoring WNV.

More information is available on the DPH website: www.mass.gov/dph/wnv/wnv1.htm

Information about EEE and WNV is also available by calling the DPH recorded information line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7698).