For the first time since Sept. 12, 2012, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is reporting today that a positive test result for EEE virus was found in mosquitos collected in Easton.
In 2012, 6,828 mosquito samples were tested for the EEE. Easton has more than 72 positive samples out of the 267 that were identified in Massachusetts.
An 85-year-old Weymouth woman reportedly died Friday after being bitten. It was Norfolk County first death from EEE.
According to the report on the Easton Town web site, EEE is a rare, but serious illness spread by mosquito bites. People under 15 years of age and over 50 are at the greatest risk.
(From the Town of Easton website.)
What can you do:
Be Aware of Mosquito Peak Hours: The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitos. Reschedule outdoor activities in the early or evening morning hours. Be sure to cover up and/or wear repellant.
Clothing Can Help: Wearing long-shelved shirts, long pants and socks, while outdoors can help.
Apply Inspect Repellent. (From the town website) Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide),permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 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. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.
Mosquito-Proof Your Home
Drain Standing Water – Many 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.
While Easton continues to work closely with the MDPH and other agencies, locally we are actively undertaking targeted education and information programs to increase awareness and promote behaviors which can reduce an individual’s risk of exposure.
Find out what's happening in Eastonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Information about EEE and reports of current and historical EEE virus activity in Massachusettscan be found on the MDPH website at http://www.mass.gov/dph/wnv. Additional resources can be accessed through the BOH website at www.easton.ma.us.
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