Spraying will begin for mosquitos after first human case of EEE diagnosed

By Laura Haefeli

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    PLYMOUTH, Massachusetts (WBZ) — Worcester and Plymouth counties will be sprayed with pesticides to prevent Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Both counties have areas at high or critical risk for infection.

Where spraying will start

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has approved the start of spraying for mosquitos in communities across Massachusetts, prioritizing the areas most at risk for EEE infection – towns in Worcester and Plymouth counties.

The state will conduct aerial spraying in Plymouth County and truck-mounted spraying in Worcester County. Spraying is expected to start Monday shortly after dusk. Spraying will be conducted overnight and end in the early morning. The spraying will be weather-dependent.

Aerial spray zone Carver Halifax Kingston Middleboro Plymouth Plympton Rochester Wareham

Ground Truck Spray Zone Douglas Dudley Oxford Sutton Uxbridge

Preventing EEE

The state is taking EEE seriously after an 80-year-old man in Worcester County was infected – the first case this year.

“There’s a lot of wooded areas. there’s 365 ponds, so that is bug-producing, especially for mosquitos. There’s a lot of pond, still water and wooded areas. I think it’s a little unsettling, but I do think if it’s going to help and prevent somebody from getting sick then it’s probably worth it,” said Anne Marie Morano, of Plymouth.

“I’m not a fan of mosquitos. I don’t mind if they do that,” said Bob Bishop. “Now, they’re closing parks from dusk to dawn. It’s going to affect the kids’ sports and everything. I don’t think it’s a big deal – kind of an overreaction for one case.”

EEE is a rare, but possibly fatal disease. Currently, 10 Massachusetts communities have been raised to high or critical risk for EEE. According to state health officials, from 2019-2020, 17 human cases of EEE were found in Massachusetts, resulting in seven deaths.

Officials encourage residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes, including staying inside during peak mosquito hours, using bug spray, putting screens on windows and wearing long-sleeved shirts.

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