Mosquito Spraying In Bristol County AS EEE Outbreak Continues

MANSFIELD, MA — State officials have announced a new round of aerial mosquito spraying to combat the spread of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Bristol County. The spraying will begin Tuesday and continue for the next several evenings, Massachusetts Department of Public Health officials said.

The latest round of spraying comes following increased concerns over Equine Encephalitis (EEE). EEE is a rare but potentially deadly illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.

So far this year, there have been eight confirmed human cases of EEE in Massachusetts.

One of those cases led to the death of a Fairhaven woman. Among those diagnosed in this outbreak is a 5-year-old Sudbury girl who nearly died, before showing signs of improvement.

The following Bristol County communities have spraying scheduled this week:

Cities/towns completely in the spray zone:

• Acushnet
• Attleboro
• Berkley
• Dighton
• Easton
• Fairhaven
• Freetown
• New Bedford
• Norton
• Raynham
• Rehoboth
• Taunton

Cities/towns partially in the spray zone:

• Darmouth
• Mansfield
• Swansea

"While aerial spraying is an important tool to help us reduce the public health risk of EEE, it's critically important that everyone in high risk areas continue to take personal precautions against mosquito bites," said Monica Bharel, the state's public health commissioner "These steps include using EPA-approved bug spray, wearing long sleeves and pants to cover exposed skin, and cancelling outdoor activities which take place during the hours from dusk to dawn when mosquito activity is at its highest."

The pesticide used for spraying is called Anvil 10+10, a product state officials said poses no health risks to humans and pets. Anvil 10+10 contains two ingredients: Sumithrin and Piperonyl butoxid. Sumithrin is an ingredient similar to the natural components of the chrysanthemum flower which is also found in other pesticide products used indoors, in pet shampoos and tick control treatments. Piperonyl butoxide increases the ability of Sumithrin to kill mosquitoes.