UPDATE: Webster High-Risk for EEE
September 13, 2023
Additional mosquito samples in Southbridge and Sutton have tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). Based on these findings, the following towns have been moved to high EEE risk level: Douglas, Dudley, Oxford, Southbridge, Sutton, and Webster.
No human or animal cases of EEE have been detected so far this year. This is a late season emergence for EEE which should keep the risk level from rising too much or too quickly. However, some risk from mosquito-borne disease will continue until the first hard frost and people should take steps to prevent mosquito bites
The Webster Health Department continues to monitor this situation. No EEE-positive mosquitoes, human, or animal cases have been detected in Webster, specifically, at this time. For more up-to-date information in this region, please follow South Central Mass Partnership for Public Health Facebook page or by calling the Webster Health Department at (508) 949-3800 x4002.
EEE is a rare but serious illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito that can affect people of all ages. By taking a few, common sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones:
Avoid Mosquito Bites
- Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient (DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-Menthane-3,8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535) 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 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
- 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 in areas of high risk.
- Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
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 draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.
- Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all windows and doors.
Protect Your Animals
Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.
More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at Mosquito-borne Diseases | Mass.gov, which is updated daily, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.
The Webster Health Department continues to monitor this situation. No EEE-positive mosquitoes, human, or animal cases have been detected in Webster, specifically, at this time. For more up-to-date information in this region, please follow South Central Mass Partnership for Public Health Facebook page or by calling the Webster Health Department at (508) 949-3800 x4002.