[ad_1]
The mosquito virus is the worst it has known in years and, with the first freeze that has never been seen, the state plans to pulverize many communities in three counties, including four cities in the region. Attleboro, in Norfolk County.
Foxboro, Wrentham, Norfolk and Franklin are expected to conduct aerial spraying next week, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources.
Areas intended for spraying are considered to present a critical and high risk of contracting Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEE).
Norfolk and Franklin are all in the spray area, while Foxboro and Wrentham are part of the spray area.
Other communities in Norfolk County for spraying are Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Walpole, Sharon, Norwood, Westwood, Dover, Needham and Wellesley.
While aerial sprays depend on weather conditions, above-average evening temperatures this week are likely to allow this, the authorities said.
Plans for future spraying cycles will include critical and high-risk communities in other counties, including Bristol County, officials said. Many of these communities have already been sprayed.
There are currently 36 communities at critical risk, 42 at high risk and 115 at moderate risk of EEE in Massachusetts.
The virus has already been revealed to be deadly. A Fairhaven woman died last month and, last weekend, EEE claimed the death of a man from West Warwick, R.I.
There have been seven human cases of EEE in Massachusetts, including a 5-year-old girl from Sudbury.
In addition, eight horses were infected with EEE in Massachusetts, as well as a goat at Norton. Animals should usually be slaughtered when they contract the virus. MDAR reminds horse owners to quickly vaccinate their animals 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 spray was made from the ground.
State officials urge Massachusetts residents to continue taking their 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 shirts. long 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, the last years of outbreak ranging from 2004-2006 to 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.
[ad_2]
Source link