Latest Andover EEE Tests Come Back Negative, But Risk Still High

ANDOVER, MA — Tests of mosquitoes collected on Abbot Street, Yardley Road, Westminster Road and Woodland Road for Eastern Equine Encephalitis came back negative Friday. But Andover officials said the town still remains under the state's "high risk" designation for the disease, and that mosquitoes collected in neighboring Methuen had come back positive.

"Despite mosquito traps not finding any additional cases of EEE, the town continues to advise residents that EEE is in the community and to continue to take recommended precautions," the town said in a notice to residents Friday. "These precautions include wearing long sleeved shirts, long pants, and insect repellent when outdoors during times when mosquito activity is at its highest, typically after sunset."

The town has asked the Northeast Mosquito Control District for additional resources and has been updating a list of frequently asked questions on EEE and its response since the towns first positive test for EEE earlier this month. On Monday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health raised the risk for EEE in Andover to "high" from "moderate" Monday. The new warning means Andover residents should keep outdoor, evening activities to a minimum.

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 revised their activity schedules.

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

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.