August 22, 2024
A message from the Webster Health Director:
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus is a rare but serious illness, transmitted by mosquitoes, that is present in our area. The Town of Webster is currently deemed Critical Risk by the MA Department of Public Health.
There is no treatment for EEE. In Massachusetts, about half of the people identified with EEE died from the infection. People who survive this disease will often be permanently disabled. Few people recover completely.
Webster is fortunate to be involved with the Central MA Mosquito Control Project who conducted town-wide spraying on August 20, 2024. However, Ground-based mosquito spraying cannot and does not eliminate risk and must not be viewed by the public as a solution to EEE risk. Ground-based or aerial spraying is one tool that can be used in conjunction with all other available mitigation tools.
Other mitigation tools include the following personal prevention measures:
Avoiding outdoor activity during times of day with increased mosquito activity;
Use of mosquito repellents containing an EPA-approved active ingredient;
Use of clothing to reduce mosquito access to skin are essential; and
Mosquito proof your property - drain or discard items that collect stagnant water and install or repair window screens.
No single mitigation tool is enough to eliminate the risk of EEE transmission. The threat of EEE transmission will not be truly eliminated until the first hard frost of the season. Mosquitoes are present at all hours of the day, so be advised that insect repellent and protective clothing should still be utilized during the day.
As such, any use of town property should be finished by 6:00 PM through the end of September, and by 5:00 PM October 1st until the first hard frost.
