According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), there is an early and consistent presence of EEE from mosquitoes in the area. In Easton, Raynham, Taunton, and West Bridgewater the risk level has been raised from “High” to “Critical,” and in Bridgewater and Norton it was raised from “Moderate” to “High.”
According to DPH Commissioner John Auerbach, people should be taking precautions for themselves and their family. EEE is a serious disease and can result in death. There have been no cases of West Nile virus or EEE yet this year, but last year there was 2 cases in Massachusetts, one being fatal. “It’s extremely important that residents in these communities take immediate steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites,” said Auerbach. “Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and nighttime when mosquitoes are at their most active, use insect repellant, and cover exposed skin.”
Steps to protect yourself from Mosquito bites and the illnesses that they can cause:
- Use insect repellent with DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 when outdoors during night or early dawn.
- Wear long pants, long sleeve shirts, and socks when outdoors during these mosquito hours.
- Protect your pets by draining standing water around your house, this attracts mosquitoes to lay eggs in the water.
- Mosquito proof your home by fixing or replacing any broken screens where mosquitoes could enter the house.
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You can also get your yard or outside your home or business sprayed
by a pest professional like A-1 Exterminators to protect yourself, family and pets from mosquitoes. A-1 will customize a mosquito treatment plan that fits your unique pest control needs and our experienced technicians will conduct our business without interfering with your business. Let A-1′s mosquito treatment make you feel safe and comfortable so you can enjoy the summer weather and outdoor lifestyle.
Call A-1 today at 1-800-525-4825 (1-800-499-5866 for Cape Cod) for a mosquito treatment outside your home or business in MA, NH or Southern ME.
For more information about any WNV and EEE positive results from 2012 visit the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/dph/wn.
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