5 Things, July 18: Additional EEE-Positive Mosquito Pools Found Near Stoughton

"Five Things you Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance.

1. Additional EEE-Positive Mosquito Pools Found Near Stoughton

According to a release from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), "numerous additional EEE-positive mosquito pools" were collected from a site in Easton on July 17, where Eastern Equine Encephalitis-positive mosquito samples were also found last week.

As a result, the DPH announced on Tuesday that aerial spraying for mosquitoes will take place in 11 cities and towns in southeastern Massachusetts starting next week, including Bridgewater, Carver, Easton, Halifax, Lakeville, Middleborough, Norton, Plympton, Raynham, Taunton, and West Bridgewater.

Stoughton is not on the spraying list - no EEE samples have been found in Stoughton, and the threat of mosquito-borne illness remains "moderate" in Stoughton, according to the state's Department of Public Health.

Still, with EEE in the area, Sandra Gabriel, Health Agent at the Stoughton Board of Health, said it is "critical to take personal precautions," especially at dusk.

This includes wearing insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and avoiding evening activities around dusk.

There is not a ban on evening activities in Stoughton, however.

Gabriel said the EEE was detected on the Easton/Raynham line. She said the planned aerial spraying should "not give everyone a sense of false security."

"Folks should definitely take the precautions," she said.

EEE is a rare but serious illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Precautionary information can be obtained by dialing the following BOH hotline # 781-232-9280.

Click here for additional information and for tips on how to avoid mosquito bites and how to mosquito-proof your home.

2. Wednesday Weather Forecast

Temperatures will reach 91 in Stoughton on Wednesday, July 18, according to the AccuWeather website. It will be humid and there will be periods of sun, but there is a 60% chance of thunderstorms.

Temperatures cool off a bit starting Thursday, according to AccuWeather.

3. Summer Nutrition Program at the West School

The will be offering a Summer Nutrition Program at the . The program began Monday, July 9 and ends on August 16, 2012.

Lunch will be served free of charge to all school aged children, up to age 18, in the West School Cafeteria, Monday through Thursday from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. All food must be consumed on the premises; no food is allowed to be taken home or off the property.

Questions? Call 781-297-1051.

4. Teddybear Storytime at the Library

Come join Peggy Sewcyk Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the  for Teddybear Storytime. It's for children ages 3.5 to 6 years old.

5. Free Email Newsletter

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