More Andover Mosquitoes Test Negative For EEE

ANDOVER, MA — Mosquitoes collected in Andover tested negative for Eastern equine encephalitis, but the town still remains under the state's "high risk" designation for the disease. Last month two tests of mosquitoes collected in different parts of Andover came back positive for EEE. Since then, the town has been spraying for mosquitoes and urging residents to take precautions against bites.

Officials said residents should end outdoor activities by 7:15 p.m. this week. That time will roll back throughout the fall as the sun sets earlier, and the recommendation is expected to be in place through the first frost. Andover Public Schools and the recreation department have revised scheduled to comply with the recommendation.

Last week the town targeted the geographic center of Andover with truck-mounted spraying.

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.