Seekonk Public Schools: Seekonk Public Schools Reminds Community Members Of Mosquito Bite Prevention Tips

Press release from the Seekonk Public Schools:

Taylor O'Neil

July 29, 2021

With more people enjoying the outdoors during the summer months, Superintendent Rich Drolet, on behalf of Seekonk Public Schools, wishes to remind community members of important safety tips to prevent mosquito bites and avoid mosquito-borne diseases.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, mosquito bites in the state typically result in skin irritation and itching. However, serious diseases including West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) are also spread by mosquitoes in rare instances. These viruses can cause illness ranging from a mild fever to more serious disease like encephalitis or meningitis.

The DPH reports that since EEE was first detected in the state in 1938, there have been approximately 115 cases, with the majority of cases having been from Bristol, Plymouth and Norfolk counties. The most recent outbreak, which began in 2019, included 12 cases with six fatalities, and the outbreak continued into 2020 with five cases resulting in one fatality.

West Nile virus was first detected in the United States in 1999. Since the majority of those exposed to West Nile virus have no symptoms, it’s difficult to identify exactly how many people have been infected. Only those who develop severe illnesses with West Nile virus are often reported. Between 2011 and 2020, there have been 148 cases of West Nile virus across the state with seven fatalities.

DPH has reported that a mosquito tested positive for West Nile virus for the first time this year in Medford and Boston.

Seekonk Public Schools wishes to share the following tips from the CDC, which can be used to prevent mosquito and mosquito bites from occurring:

Residents are also advised to prepare their homes and properties to avoid mosquitoes from laying their eggs in the area, and to prevent insects from getting indoors. This can be done by maintaining screens and doors properly and repairing any holes, utilizing air conditioning where possible, and regularly checking your property for standing water and clearing it out. Mosquitos are known to lay their eggs in and around water.

For more mosquito bite prevention tips click here.

This press release was produced by the Seekonk Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.