Significant Decline in Mosquito Population Following Aerial Spraying in Area

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced in a release that the aerial spraying conducted the weekend of July 20-22 reduced the mosquito population by approximately 60 percent within the 21-community spray zone in Southeastern Massachusetts.

Sharon was not on the list of towns to be sprayed, but the nearby towns of Easton, Norton, Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, West Bridgewater, Raynham and Taunton were part of this spraying effort.

Mammal-biting mosquitoes have . No mosquitoes have tested positive for EEE in Sharon.

While the risk level for mosquito-borne illness in Easton and Canton is “high,” the risk level in Sharon remains "moderate," according to the DPH.

Even with the success of the recent aerial spraying, the DPH cautions that "aerial spraying generally only kills mosquitoes in flight during the spray operation, and the risk of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) remains a concern with the identification of multiple pools of EEE-positive mosquitoes within portions of the spray zone."

"All residents, regardless of location, are urged to continue taking personal precautions to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses, including Eastern Equine Encephalitis," the DPH states on its website. "These include using insect repellent, covering exposed skin when outside, and avoiding outdoor activities between the hours of dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are at their most active."

To see the current risk level for towns across the state, click here.