The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced that EEE virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected from Marion, MA. More specifically, one bird-biting mosquito, culiseta melanura, was found in samples.
EEE is a rare but serious illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. While EEE can infect people of all ages, people under 15 years of age and over 50 years of age are at greatest risk for serious illness.
Marion residents are urged to take personal protective measures to protect themselves against mosquito bites. These personal protective measures include:
– Wear mosquito repellent when outdoors during peak mosquito hours (from dusk to dawn);
– Weather permitting, wear long sleeves and long pants when outdoors during peak mosquito hours (from dusk to dawn);
– Use mosquito netting on baby carriages and playpens outdoors;
– Repair window and door screens in your home;
– Dump standing water twice weekly;
– Arrange neighborhood cleanups to get rid of mosquito breeding sites.
Please contact the Marion Board of Health at 508-748-3530 if you have any questions.