BOH: Canton’s Triple E threat ‘moderate for now’

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has announced that the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus has been detected in mosquito samples collected in Canton.

EEE is a rare but serious illness spread by mosquitoes. This year, some areas of Massachusetts are experiencing significant levels of mosquito-borne disease. Currently, two cases of EEE have been detected in mosquitoes only in Canton. Accordingly, the risk level remains at “moderate” for now.

While EEE can infect people of all ages, people under 15 years of age or over 50 years of age are at greatest risk for serious illness. Many sports and recreational activities in which students are likely to participate occur during the evening and dusk hours, the time of the day when many kinds of mosquitoes are actively biting. Active participation in outdoor activities increases exposure to mosquitoes, so it is wise to limit outdoor activities in the evening when possible for now.

As a result of the increase in mosquitos infected with EEE, the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Program continues to conduct ground spraying in affected areas. It is important to note that most species of mosquitoes in this area do not bite humans, although the two species found with EEE are mammal biters.

State and local health officials recommend that the public take action now to avoid mosquito bites and reduce mosquito populations around their home and neighborhoods.

* Plan to limit outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours. The hours from dusk to dawn and sundown to late evening are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.

* Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. When possible, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors during peak mosquito activity times.

* Apply mosquito repellent when you go outdoors. A wide variety of mosquito repellent products are available. The most effective repellents contain DEET, Picaridin or Permethrin. Always follow the instructions on the product label. DEET and Picaridin products can be used directly on skin and on clothing. Permethrin products can be used on clothing but not directly on skin. Oil of lemon eucalyptus has also demonstrated efficacy against mosquito bites, with protection similar to repellents with low concentrations of DEET. Products containing DEET should not be used on children less than two months of age. Products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children less than 3 years of age.

* 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, birds baths, etc. Remove leaves and debris that may prevent drainage of roof gutters.

Information about EEE and reports of EEE activity in Massachusetts during the 2013 mosquito season can be found at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito. The Canton Board of Health will continue to work closely with the Department of Public Health’s Arbovirus Surveillance Program and the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Program on mosquito control and surveillance efforts. Ground spraying using the pesticide Anvil is continuing throughout Norfolk County.

Submitted by John L. Ciccotelli, Canton Director of Public Health

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Aug 29 2013. Filed under News. Both comments and pings are currently closed.