Several cities on the south coast are now at high risk of EEE

The Mbadachusetts Department of Public Health has now increased the risk of contracting EEE in several cities on the south coast.

Initially, 92 infected mosquitoes were found in New Bedford, Freetown, Lakeville, Middleboro, Raynham, Carver and Easton. A third of these mosquitoes are of the type capable of transmitting the virus to humans.

Friday afternoon, we learn that DPH has raised the risk of EEE to "High Risk" to Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, Fairhaven, Acushnet and Taunton.

These risk categories are at a step of a "critical" risk.

Cities such as Dartmouth and Dighton / Rehobeth are clbadified as "moderate" risk for IAS.

To get the latest EEE mosquito sampling results, you can click on the blue button below.

Officials say that the risk of EEE transmission is high in these areas. They recommend that residents take "personal protection activities", such as using an insect repellent and avoiding outdoor activities during mosquito peak periods.

Positive samples of EEE-carrying mosquitoes were also found at Fall River this week and in Rochester last week; However, there were not enough infected insects to move the level of risk.

In recent years, the threat of EEE and West Nile virus has caused school districts to reprogram some outdoor sports competitions originally scheduled for the night.