Groveland, Newbury and West Newbury Town Officials Alert Communities to Positive EEE Tests

The Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District will deploy truck based adulticide mosquito spray early next week in the above highlighted region. (Courtesy Image Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District)

WEST NEWBURY — West Newbury Fire Chief Michael Dwyer, West Newbury Health Agent Paul Sevigny, Newbury Police Chief and Emergency Management Director Michael Reilly and Groveland Finance and Personnel Director Denise Dembkoski seek to provide residents with information and safety reminders after mosquitoes in West Newbury tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).

The West Newbury Health Division was notified Friday by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) that two mosquito pools in the area of Ash Swamp on Ash Street tested positive for EEE. The mosquitoes tested were trapped on Tuesday, Sept. 3, and were of a species that is known to bite mammals.

The Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District will deploy truck based adulticide mosquito spray early next week in West Newbury, Groveland and Newbury.

The spraying will include the Frances A. Crane Wildlife Management Area west of Route 95 to Middle Street, south to Thurlow Street and north to Indian Hill Street. The date and time of the spraying will be announced to residents by the Town of Groveland, Town of Newbury and the West Newbury Board of Health once it becomes available.

The West Newbury Board of Health will continue to work closely with the MDPH and the Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District to determine whether outdoor activities will be restricted as a result of the positive testing, and to determine the extent of the mosquito spraying in town.

As always, Groveland, Newbury and West Newbury officials urge all residents to read and follow these important safety tips from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health:

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 the 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 repellent.
Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites: Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks while outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Apply insect repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus 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. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied directly to your 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 window and door screens: Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

Information about EEE and reports of current and historical EEE virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website here.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the EEE virus is a rare cause of brain infections or encephalitis. Very few human cases are reported across the U.S. each year, but EEE can be fatal or leave victims with serious complications and neurological problems.

###