With EEE Found in Area, Foxborough Residents Should Protect Themselves

With the recent discovery of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in the southern portion of the state, Massachusetts Department of Public Health officials are advising Foxborough residents to remain vigilant in protecting themselves from mosquito bites.

, which began in late May and runs through Sept. 28.

NCMCP sprays Foxborough on Friday mornings – along with Millis, Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham. The time of the spray is from 2 to 6 a.m. (sunrise). If a resident would like to see a map and/or street listing of the areas being treated, they should click on the following link, and then enter their address.

On Tuesday, state officials announced that and 10 other towns after more EEE positive mosquitoes were found on the Easton/Raynham line. Middleboro, Norton, Plympton, Raynham, Taunton, West Bridgewater, Bridgewater, Halifax and Lakeville will all receive the treatment. 

The disease was first detected in Easton last week, prompting officials to raise the area's threat of mosquito-borne illness from “moderate” to “high.”

But just because EEE has not been detected closer to Foxborough so far this summer, does not mean residents should not be taking precautions.

"No matter where they live, individuals should continue to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites and the illnesses they can cause," state officials said in a recent press release.

Here's a variety of safety tips for residents to follow:

• Limit your time outdoors during peak periods of mosquito activity (dusk and dawn) or if you must remain outdoors, wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants.
• Use a mosquito repellent that contains DEET (the chemical N-N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) and follow the directions on the label. 
• Take special care to cover up the arms and legs of children playing outdoors. When you bring a baby outdoors, cover the baby’s carriage or playpen with mosquito netting.
• Fix holes in your screens and make sure they are tightly attached to all your doors and windows.
• Remove standing water around your home. Make sure water does not collect and stagnate in ceramic pots, trash cans, recycling containers, old tires, wading pools, birds baths, etc. Remove leaves and debris that may prevent drainage of roof gutters.

For more information on preventing disease spread by mosquitoes, EEE and West Nile Virus, click on the following links provided by the Foxborough Board of Health.

• Preventing Disease Spread By Mosquitoes.pdf
• EEE and WNV Info Sheet

Call for Comments: Are you concerned about EEE in the Foxborough area? What precautions are you taking? Tell us in the comments!