Franklin Residents: Public Health Advisory - Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

"The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has announced a second human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in a person from the Town of Grafton in Middlesex County. The first human case occurred in an individual from Rochester in Plymouth County.

The threat level for EEE virus is critically elevated throughout much of Bristol and Plymouth Counties, and well as in some communities in Middlesex and Worcester Counties. EEE has also been isolated in the towns of Bourne and Falmouth in Barnstable County on Cape Cod.

Although EEE virus has not been isolated in Franklin at this time, the virus has been found in several towns in Norfolk County. As such, it is vital that residents take all steps necessary to avoid mosquito bites, whether at home or when visiting communities with elevated EEE risk northwest or southeast of Franklin. The threat is expected to remain elevated until the first hard frost of the year, which typically occurs in October. All residents are strongly urged to follow the recommendations listed below to protect themselves and their loved ones from illness caused by mosquitoes.

Apply Insect Repellent When Outdoors: Use a repellent with DEET, Permethrin, picardin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to the instructions on the product labels. Remember not to use products with DEET on infants under two months of age. DEET products in concentrations above 30% should not be used on older children. Oil of eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours: Mosquitoes are most active between the hours from dusk to dawn. Limit your exposure out of doors during this peak biting time if possible. If you must be outside, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks will help keep mosquitos away from your skin.

Drain Standing Water on Your Property: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing or stagnant water. Drain birdbaths, flower pots, buckets and children’s wading pools frequently.

Additional public health advisories/alerts regarding EEE will be provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Franklin Health Department as the situation warrants.

More information on mosquito-borne viruses can be found at the MADPH Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito."


This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/public_health_advisory_08-21-2019_0.pdf

Franklin Residents: Public Health Advisory - Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)