Reported from state officials, EEE has been reported in multiple Massachusetts Communities. As the summer winds down and many are trying to enjoy the last of the warm weather, a rare but significant disease is striking towns across the state. There are 13 Mass communities at high risk for the mosquito-borne disease.
What Is EEE?
Eastern Equine Encephalitis is an uncommon but potentially fatal illness that can leave survivors with long-term physical and psychological issues. As of now, EEE does not have a vaccine or therapy.
How Is EEE Spread?
As carriers of the disease, mosquitoes carry the EEE virus to people through the food they eat from sick animals. The bite of an infected mosquito is how humans contract it. “EEE can cause severe illness and possibly lead to death in any age group; however, people under age 15 and over age 50 are at particular risk,” said a statement from MassDPH. “EEE does not occur every year, but based on current evidence, a high risk of occurrence of human cases exists in 2024.”
Where Are Mosquitoes Found?
In as little as a half-inch of standing water, mosquitoes can reproduce. This highlights how crucial it is for homeowners to frequently inspect their property for any containers that might be holding water and offering mosquitoes a safe place to grow. Homes with a lot of undergrowth may potentially serve as mosquito nesting hotspots.
Preventing Mosquito Bites
- Remove any standing water around the house, such as in tires, birdbaths, flower pots, blocked gutters, and kiddie pools or untreated pools. For reproduction, mosquitoes just require a half-inch of water.
- Check all of the doors and windows. To keep mosquitoes out of your home, fix even the smallest rip or hole.
- When applying insect repellent outside, make sure it contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, apply repellent, and reapply every four to six hours.
- When you’re outside, dress in long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Speak with a NW Pest Control if you are worried about mosquito activity on your property.
- Minimalize outside activity between dusk and dawn, those are the times of most activity
- Remove unneeded vegetation or trash from around any source of standing water that cannot be changed, removed or dumped
