Attention: Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) Update - Triple E Positive Human Case in Your Area, No Risk Level Changes

The following is an alert message from the Massachusetts Health and Homeland Alert Network was received today, August 26, 2019 @ 11:03 a.m.:

An individual over the age of 50 from Bristol County has tested positive for Triple E virus and was announced over the weekend. The patient was exposed to Triple E in early August. Due to current level of risk already present in the area, the time of exposure and the completion of two aerial spays, no additional risk level changes are indicated.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced on 8-16-2019 that a goat has tested positive for EEE in Norton, MA.  The EEE risk level remains at "HIGH" in the Town of Rehoboth and upgraded to "CRITICAL RISK" in Easton, Norton, and Raynham. 

EEE is a rare but serious illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. While EEE can infect people of all ages, people under15 years of age or over 50 years of age are at greatest risk for serious illness. 

By taking a few, common-sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones:

 Avoid Mosquito Bites

• Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours - The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellant.
• Clothing Can Help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
• Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with 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 instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three 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 skin. 

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

• Drain Standing Water – Many mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently. 
• Install or Repair Screens - Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

Rehoboth Board of Health continues to work closely with the MDPH and other agencies on this important health topic. Rehoboth is at moderate risk of EEE and low risk WNV at this time. Please see the following website for further information on risk categories which is updated by MDPH:

http://www.mosquitoresults.com/

Information about EEE and reports of current and historical EEE virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website at https://www.mass.gov/news/state-public-health-officials-announce-seasons-first-eee-positive-mosquito-sample