Mansfield Mosquito Spraying Amid EEE, West Nile Virus Season

MANSFIELD, MA — Mansfield residents can contact the Bristol County Mosquito Control directly to request residential spraying as the region takes precautions against the spread of Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus.

Residents can contact the office at 508-823-5253 between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Request can also be faxed to 508-828-1868 or email requestbristolMCP@comcast.net. Residents are urged to request a last name, full address, including a zip code, with the request.

Night spraying began in 25 Southeastern Massachusetts communities began this week.

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."

Residents are encouraged to visit the Massachusetts Aerial Mosquito Spray Map webpage for the latest updates on spraying in their communities. Officials will continue to monitor the area over the next two weeks and may conduct a second round of spraying to achieve maximal effectiveness.

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