Andover EEE Risk Raised To 'High' From 'Moderate'

ANDOVER, MA — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health raise the risk for Eastern equine encephalitis to "high" from "moderate" Monday. The new warning means Andover residents should keep outdoor activities to a minimum. The new warning comes after positive tests for the virus of mosquitoes collected in Andover, as well as a positive test for the virus in a horse in Methuen.

"We are concerned about the recent positive EEE tests in our region, including multiple positive mosquito testing in Andover, and while it is deeply unfortunate to ask residents to limit their outdoor activities during the final evenings of the summer, we take the threat of mosquito-borne illness seriously," Director of Public Health Thomas Carbone said. "We are in constant contact with state officials from multiple agencies and are actively monitoring the situation for any changes."

The Andover Health Division also received reports of positive mosquito testing in Pelham, N.H. and Boxford. Andover officials said all outdoor activities in town should end by 7:30 p.m. this week and next week. The end time will roll back in the following weeks as sunset occurs earlier. Andover Public Schools and Andover Youth Services will release schedule changes, officials said in a statement.

A second batch of mosquitoes collected in Andover tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis. The town was notified Friday about the test results for the mosquitoes, which were collected on Haggetts Pond Road near Gavin Circle and on Chatham Road.

The town will spray for mosquitoes again on Monday evening. The Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control District sprayed for mosquitoes in Andover Thursday and Friday after an earlier, positive test for EEE. The mosquitoes in that test came from two pools near Abbot Street. On Friday, new tests of the Abbot Street pool came back negative.

The town posted additional information about EEE, the testing and spraying on its website. While EEE cases in humans are rare, it can be fatal or cause serious neurological problems. Andover Health Services posted tips on avoiding mosquito bites on its website, as well as a fact sheet on EEE.