Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) Virus Information
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced on 8/19/19 that EEE virus has been detected in mosquitos collected from areas within the Mayflower Council boundaries. As a consequence of this detection the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has raised the EEE risk level for many of these areas.
EEE is a rare but serious illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. 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.
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. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellant. Avoid outside areas with obvious mosquito activity
- Clothing Can Help to 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. Sleep with mosquito netting.
- Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. 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. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin. Wear mosquito repellent when outdoors, especially between dawn and dusk.
The Mayflower Council will continue to work with the Boards of Health, the MDPH and other agencies.
For the most up to date information about EEE and reports of current and historical EEE virus activity in Massachusetts visit the MDPH website at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito
