With seven human cases of EEE in Massachusetts this year, resulting in one death, the state performs additional aerial mosquito sprays, and asks everyone to heed curfew warnings.
After the death of a Massachusetts resident and even nine confirmed animal cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis this “mosquito season” state health officials are urging vigilance. Earlier this week, Worcester Mass was included in far-reaching aerial attacks to eliminate potential disease carrying mosquitoes. While these sprays will be effective to a point, they do not wholly wipe out the threat of mosquito bites.
Worcester public school officials are answering the call
Public school officials announced this week, that they will halt all organized late-evening outdoor activities to aid the fight against the threat of the potentially deadly disease. The Worcester Division of Public Health in Massachusetts recommends that all outdoor activities be cut back after dusk. Most mosquito bites occur from dusk till dawn – dusk is currently 7:15 P.M. Even though the eastern part of Worcester was included in the area mosquito sprays earlier this week, local health officials say that Worcester is not a main target for the spray.
Nearly 200 Massachusetts communities are deemed at moderate, high, and critical risk. See the areas included in the mosquito sprays here.
The Worcester Board of Health is asking residents, and town and school officials to follow the state’s curfew recommendation. In an answer to that recommendation, many Worcester schools are opting for earlier football game times until the threat level decreases. Game times have been adjusted to 4:00 – 4:30 P.M. – health officials are asking residents to avoid being outdoors after 6:00 P.M.
If being outdoors in high-risk hours, residents must practice personal mosquito protection by wearing long sleeves, pants, and using mosquito repellent with DEET.
It is also advisable to practice the 7 T’s of mosquito control.
Dr. Michael P. Hirsh, director of the Worcester Division of Public health warns that it is possible that we have evolved out of a cyclical incidence rate of EEE and other mosquito-borne illnesses. With climate change and the advancement of mosquito populations in Massachusetts, he believes that we will likely experience upward trends for diseases that are spread through infected mosquitoes in the future, and must prepare ourselves accordingly.
Mosquito control, now more than ever, is essential to your family’s good health
Dave Macchia, Central Mass Mosquito Control Expert
In times like these, I cannot stress enough how important mosquito control has become in the everyday lives of central Mass residents. I always recommend having a professional mosquito barrier protection spray for central Mass homes and businesses. A special time-released barrier spray will knock down mosquitoes on contact, and continue to work for up to three weeks between sprays.