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The mosquito virus is the worst it has known in years, and with the first freeze ever seen, the state plans to spray insects in many communities in three counties, including four cities in the Attleboro area. in Norfolk County.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), it is expected to spray by air next week on Foxboro, Wrentham, Norfolk and Franklin.
Areas intended for spraying are considered to present a critical and high risk of contracting Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEE).
Norfolk and Franklin are entirely in the spray area, while Foxboro and Wrentham are partly in the area.
Other communities in Norfolk County for spraying are Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Walpole, Sharon, Norwood, Westwood, Dover, Needham and Wellesley.
Although aerial sprays depend on weather conditions, above-average night temperatures this week will likely allow for application, authorities said.
When weather conditions permit, subsequent watering programs will include critical and high-risk communities from other counties, including Bristol County, officials said. Many of these communities have already been sprayed.
There are currently 36 critical-risk, 42 high-risk and 115 moderate-risk communities of EEE in Massachusetts.
The virus has already been revealed to be deadly. A resident of Fairhaven died of the virus last month and, last weekend, a woman from West Warwick, R.I. died from EEE.
There have been a total of seven human cases of EEE in Massachusetts, including a 5-year-old girl from Sudbury.
In addition, eight horses contacted EEE in Massachusetts as well as a goat at Norton. Animals should usually be slaughtered once they come in contact with the virus. MDAR reminds horse owners to quickly vaccinate their horses and receive booster shots to provide adequate protection against IAS.
To date, 400 mosquito samples have proven positive for the EEE, of which 65 show the presence of West Nile virus, which can also pose serious health problems. The WNV was found in Attleboro and Seekonk.
This is the first time in seven years that planes have been used to spray mosquitoes in Massachusetts. In other years, the spraying took place on the ground.
State officials continue to urge residents across the state to continue taking personal precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
This includes the removal of stagnant water on the property, the limitation of outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, the use of a screen and insect repellent, and the wearing of long-sleeved shirts. and pants
"Even though the temperatures are cool, it is extremely important for us to remember that the mosquito season is not over and that we must all continue to take steps to prevent mosquito bites," said Monica Bharel, Commissioner of Public Health.
Health officials also advise reprogramming outdoor activities in the evening. Rehoboth recently moved his outdoor concerts to an earlier era.
EEE occur sporadically in Massachusetts, with the most recent outbreak years occurring between 2004-2006 and 2010-2012. There have been 22 cases of human infection at the EEE during these two outbreaks.
Residents are encouraged to visit the DPH website at www.mass.gov/eee for the latest spraying updates in their communities and for more information.
Stephen Peterson can be reached at 508-236-0377.
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