NEW BEDFORD – Health officials said EEE was found in a mosquito that primarily bites birds in the New Bedford Business Park area on Monday.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health notified regional health authorities of the discovery of Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) on August 26, according to a press release. It is the first case in New Bedford this summer.
The state’s risk level for EEE in New Bedford remains low. However, in cities such as Dartmouth, Westport, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester and Wareham, the state’s risk level for EEE is moderate, while occurrences are increasing across much of Massachusetts.
EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. On August 16, the DPH announced the first human case of EEE virus infection this year, after a man in his 80s was infected in Worcester County. The last EEE outbreak in Massachusetts in 2019-20 resulted in 17 human cases and seven deaths, according to the DPH.
West Nile virus also detected in New Bedford
Last week’s testing also detected West Nile virus in a sample near Rural Cemetery, in a mosquito that primarily bites birds. The Aug. 21 sampling location in the Rural Cemetery area does not mitigate the possibility that mosquitoes are spreading the virus elsewhere in the city, as mosquitoes share a common habitat throughout the region, the news release said.
The state’s risk level for West Nile virus in New Bedford remains moderate, requiring increased preventive measures such as draining standing water around homes, using approved insect repellents, and wearing appropriate clothing when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk.
West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause illness ranging from mild fever to severe disease. It is most commonly transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Positive samples are not uncommon in the summer months
Positive mosquito samples suggestive of West Nile virus are not uncommon during the summer months and have been found in numerous surrounding communities in recent weeks. West Nile virus has also been found in several parts of New Bedford, where the virus is currently experiencing sustained activity.
Residents are advised to take precautions when engaging in outdoor activities and to remain vigilant during the summer months.
Additional spraying is carried out
Therefore, the Bristol County Mosquito Project is conducting additional targeted ground spraying near the Rural Cemetery and Business Park this week.
The sprayings complement the county’s normal weekly ground sprayings, which occur seasonally from early June through September and focus on parks and other locations where large public events are held. Weekly sprayings occur every Thursday during the summer between 2 a.m. and sunrise at locations around Buttonwood Park, Brooklawn Park, Fort Taber, Hazelwood Park, Riverside Park, Clasky Common Park, Ashley Park, Wing’s Court, Custom House Square and other parts of downtown.
Residents near the affected areas should close their windows in the evening before spraying and before going to bed. In case of bad weather, spraying will be postponed until early Friday morning.
As part of the annual surveillance program, teams set traps and collect samples to monitor the mosquito population during the summer months. It also helps determine whether mosquitoes are transmitting EEE or West Nile virus.
How to take precautions
The New Bedford Health Department recommends these precautions to protect yourself from mosquito bites:
- Please note the peak times of the mosquito plague: Although mosquitoes are active throughout the day, they are most likely to bite at dusk and in the morning. It is best to plan outdoor activities that fall in the evening or early morning for another time. Otherwise, be extra careful to wear insect repellent and protective clothing, especially if you work or spend a lot of time outdoors.
- Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites: Although it may be difficult in hot weather, wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks outdoors can help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
- Apply insect repellent when going outdoors: Use a repellent containing 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 directions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under 2 months of age and on older children at concentrations of 30% or less. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3 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 the skin.
- Drain standing water: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of mosquito breeding sites around your home by draining water or removing objects that collect water. Check gutters and drains. Empty unused flower pots and wading pools, and change the water in birdbaths regularly.
- Installing or repairing screens: Some mosquitoes prefer to stay indoors. Keep them out by installing tight-fitting screens on all windows and doors.
For more information and to view the state’s risk level map, visit: http://www.mass.gov/info-details/Massachusetts-arbovirus-update
