Night Mosquito Spraying Begins In Easton, Plymouth

EASTON, MA — Easton and Plymouth are among the 25 communities set for nighttime aerial mosquito spraying starting this week as part of the state's efforts to combat Eastern equine encephalitis.

This year's first human case of EEE virus infection, a male under the age of 18 who was exposed to EEE in Middleboro. Last year, the Commonwealth experienced its most active EEE season since 1956, with 12 human cases and six deaths.

"As several communities in Southeastern Massachusetts are at elevated risk for EEE and this season's first human case has been confirmed, the Commonwealth is acting to protect the public by conducting aerial spray operations to reduce the population of mosquitoes that transmit the EEE virus," said SRMCB Chair and MDAR Commissioner John Lebeaux. "While spraying for mosquitoes can reduce but does not eliminate the risk of EEE transmission, we ask the public to be vigilant and take care to follow personal protection practices."

The spraying will be conducted a night when when fish are less likely to be at the surface feeding and honeybees are more likely to be in their hives. Officials said owners should cover small ornamental fishponds. While spraying is considered safe for humans and pets, keeping pets inside will minimize the risk of exposure.

Aerial spraying is not expected to have any impacts on surface water or drinking water.

Spraying is expected to continue for several nights.

The 25 communities in the spray zone are Bridgewater, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marion, Mattapoisett, Middleborough, Norwell, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rochester, Rockland, Wareham, West Bridgewater, and Whitman in Plymouth County, and Acushnet, Easton, Raynham, and Taunton in Bristol County.

More Patch Coverage: First MA Human Case Of EEE This Summer Reported In Middleboro

Carver Bans Night Outdoor Activities Due To 'High' EEE Risk Level Mosquito-Borne Virus's Early Arrival Presents New Health Concern
Mosquito Samples Detect EEE For First Time In MA In 2020