Bedford Offers Tips To Prevent EEE

BEDFORD, MA — Bedford officials are reminding residents some tips to avoid contracting Eastern equine encephalitis or EEE. Mosquitoes are most active in Massachusetts from June through August. Most adult mosquitoes can be found during the day in damp, shady areas where they can find protection from the sun.

Mosquitoes can spread diseases that may make humans and animals sick. EEE is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus that is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. In Massachusetts, the virus is most often identified in mosquitoes found in and around freshwater and hardwood swamps.

On July 3, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced the EEE virus had
been detected in mosquito samples collected from Orange, Massachusetts for the first time this
2020 season. No human or animal case has been detected so far this season.

Only a small number of mosquitoes are infected at any given time, so being bitten by a mosquito does not mean you will get sick. However, the best way to avoid mosquito borne diseases is to prevent mosquito bites by taking the following proactive measures to better protect you, your family and your neighbors:

1. Mosquito Proof your Property - Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by eliminating sources of standing water or items that may hold water. Check rain gutters and drains, empty any unused flowerpots, wheel barrels, wading pools, change water in birdbaths and other water sources for animals frequently. Install or Repair Screens - Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all windows and doors. Avoid turning on outdoor lights during peak mosquito activity.
2. 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. Otherwise, take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing.
3. When Outdoors Wear Protective Clothing – Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and socks. This may be difficult to do when the weather is hot, but it will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin. Mosquito netting may be used on baby carriages and playpens when small children are outdoors.
4. Apply Insect Repellent any time 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 percent 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.
5. Avoid Outdoor Areas with Obvious Mosquito Activity - such as woods and wetlands.
6. Animals and Pets – Keep animal or pet vaccinations and medications current. Speak to your veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use for animals and vaccinations to prevent EEE and WNV. Keep animals indoors or in screened-in areas during peak periods of mosquito activity.