EEE in Freetown: "Dusk to Dawn" Order Lifted for Public Spaces
November 12, 2019: "Dusk to Dawn" Order Lifted for Public Spaces
A message from the Board of Health:
Due to the temperatures this past Friday night, the mosquito population should be eliminated for the season, therefore I am lifting the “Dusk to Dawn” ban on public spaces effective today, Tuesday November 12th, 2019.
This was by far the most difficult season I can remember in regards to mosquitos and EEE. We had to issue the Dusk to Dawn ban a month earlier than the previous year but the situation escalated so quickly and over a broad area of the state. It seemed every day there was another positive mosquito sample or unfortunately another human case. Special thanks goes out to Timm McIntosh. I would send him all the information we would receive and it was posted on our social media platforms as soon as possible, which was so important to keep the information flowing. Also a special thank you to Stop and Shop for their very generous donation of bug spray to the Health Department, which we were able to give to the residents at no charge.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this rare but serious disease, especially the family and friends of James Longworth, our Freetown resident who passed away in September.
Unfortunately, EEE tends to be cyclical, so we are preparing for another season similar to this in 2020. Please prepare now. Remember all the precautions that were in place when thinking about next season. A can of bug spray or a lightweight long sleeve shirt in the stocking instead of some candy for your favorite nature enthusiast might be a good idea. Let’s hope that next season is not quite as difficult as this past one, but if it is, we will continue to get the information out to the public as quickly and accurately as possible.
Derek Macedo
Health Agent
Town of Freetown
September 25, 2019: Aerial Spraying Completed
The Town has been notified that aerial mosquito spraying was completed last evening. This will be the final aerial spraying for the season. Residents are still urged to take common-sense precautions to limit your exposure with mosquitoes.
September 20, 2019: State officials announce 10th human case of EEE in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that laboratory testing has confirmed the 10th human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus infection, a man in his 70s from Bristol County. The hospital has reported to DPH that the patient died as a result of his illness. There are no risk level changes associated with this finding. The full press release is available below.
Unfortunately, and with great sadness, we can confirm that this gentleman was indeed a resident of Freetown. The Town has issued a separate press release, also available below.
September 17, 2019: State officials announce additional aerial spraying for EEE in critical and high risk communities
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) continue to urge residents throughout the Commonwealth to take personal precautions to prevent mosquito bites, as officials announced additional aerial spraying for mosquitoes in areas of the state at critical and high risk for the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus, including Bristol County.
Spraying will begin Tuesday, September 17th, starting at 7:00pm, and will continue over several evenings until completed, as weather and equipment dictates. This schedule is subject to change. If we learn of any changes ahead of time, we will be sure to communicate with everyone.
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources has set up a website to track which areas have been sprayed. Click here to visit that site.
September 13, 2019: State Officials Announce 8th Human Case of EEE in Massachusetts, This Time Northeastern Bristol County
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that laboratory testing has confirmed the 8th human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus infection, a man in his 50s from northeastern Bristol County.
The state has also announced more aerial spraying, though not yet for our area. According to information provided by DPH, further spraying for Bristol County will depend on weather, temperature and equipment conditions. If the Town receives any information about another round of spraying, we will be sure to let everyone know.
In the meantime, don't forget to take common-sense precautions to limit your exposure with mosquitoes!
September 6th, 2019: State Public Health Officials Announce Two New Confirmed Human Cases of EEE, Brings Total to Seven
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that laboratory testing has confirmed two new cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus infection, a woman in her 60s from eastern Worcester County and a female under the age of 18 from southwestern Middlesex County.
August 25th, 2019: Fourth Human Case of EEE in the Commonwealth (First in Bristol County)
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that laboratory testing has confirmed a case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus infection in a female over the age of 50 who is a resident of southern Bristol County. This is the fourth human case of EEE in Massachusetts this year, and the first in Bristol County.
August 20th, 2019: Second Round of Aerial Spraying to Begin Wednesday, August 21
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) today announced that as anticipated, a second round of aerial spraying for mosquitoes will take place in specific areas of southeastern Massachusetts, including Freetown. MDAR will conduct and monitor aerial spraying in specific areas of Bristol and Plymouth counties which is anticipated to begin on Wednesday, August 21, and continue over several evenings. However, the ability to spray is weather dependent and the schedule may change. Residents are encouraged to visit the DPH website at www.mass.gov/guides/aerial-mosquito-control-summer-2019 for the latest updates on spraying in their communities. A press release with this information and more can be found below.
Aerial spraying is conducted by airplane in areas of concern during early evening and nighttime hours. There are no health risks expected during or after spraying. No special precautions are recommended, however, residents can reduce exposure by staying indoors during spraying.
August 10th, 2019: First Human Case in Commonwealth Announced, Risk Level Raised to Critical in Freetown
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that laboratory testing confirmed the first case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus infection, in a male over 60 from southern Plymouth County. This is the first human case of EEE in Massachusetts since 2013. The risk level in nine communities, including Freetown, has been raised to critical as a result.
See below for a press release from the DPH, as well as a EEE fact sheet.
August 6th, 2019: Aerial Spraying to Begin Thursday, August 8th
The state will be conducting aerial spraying for mosquitoes in Bristol County, including all of Freetown, starting Thursday, August 8th, to continue for several days. Spraying will be conducted in the evening and overnight hours until completed. There are no health risks expected during or after the spraying, and no special precautions are needed. Residents can reduce exposure by staying indoors during spraying. For specific questions, contact the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Crop and Pest Services at (617) 626-1700.
Additionally, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has set up an online guide for aerial spraying, including an FAQ about the process, the pesticides and more. This guide can be found here. The FAQ can also be found in a downloadable form, below.
July 31st, 2019: Board of Health Closes All Public Spaces from Dusk through Dawn
Board of Health Agent Derek Macedo has announced that all public spaces are to be closed from dusk through dawn, due to the elevated threat of the EEE. While this order only applies to the time between dusk and dawn, the threat does extend into daylight hours. By taking a few, common-sense precautions, you can help to protect yourself 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.
- Clothing Can Help 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.
- 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. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% 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 to 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 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 at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.
If you have any further questions, please contact the Board of Health office: 508-644-2202, extension 3.
July 23rd, 2019: Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) Virus Confirmed in Mosquitoes from Freetown
As expected in the last mosquito-related update, EEE has indeed been detected in a mosquito collected in Freetown. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has informed the Board of Health Agent that closures or activity cancellations aren't necessary at this time, but various common-sense precautions are certainly recommended. Please see the press release, below (copied to above), for more information.
Press Release:
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) Virus Confirmed in Mosquitoes from Freetown
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced today that EEE virus has been detected in one mosquito collected from Freetown, Massachusetts.
EEE is a rare but serious illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. While EEE can infect people of all ages, people under15 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.
- Clothing Can Help 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.
- 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. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% 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 to 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 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 at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.
July 18th, 2019: EEE Positive Mosquito Found in New Bedford
While not found in Freetown, mosquito-bourne diseases are officially in the area, so it's probably just a matter of time. We'll be sure to keep everyone updated on findings here in Freetown, but in the meantime, definitely check out the mosquito & tick section of mass.gov for helpful information on protecting yourself!
Link to July 17th story from SouthCoastToday.com
