State plans to conduct huge mosquito spraying in Plymouth, Worcester counties amid EEE outbreak danger

The state will conduct widespread spraying for mosquito in elements of Plymouth and Worcester counties as worry of an outbreak of the lethal EEE virus rises, the Division of Public Health (DPH) and Division of Agricultural Assets (MDAR) introduced Sunday.

“We have not seen an outbreak of EEE for four years in Massachusetts,” stated DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein. “This year’s outbreak and activity raise the risk for communities in parts of the state. We need to use all our available tools to reduce risk and protect our communities. We are asking everyone to do their part.”

Ten communities have been raised to excessive or vital danger of Jap Equine Encephalitis (EEE) — a “rare but serious and potentially fatal disease” unfold to people by contaminated mosquitos — virus by DPH as of Sunday, the departments said.

The primary human case this 12 months was reported in a person in his 80s in Worcester County on Aug. 16, elevating alarm all through the area.

Planning for the spraying remains to be within the works, the state stated, however is anticipated to start the week of Aug. 26. Spraying, performed by the State Reclamation and Mosquito Management Board with the help of MDAR, will begin shortly after nightfall and ending within the early morning.

Aerial spraying will happen in Carver, Halifax, Kingston, Middleborough, Plymouth, Plympton, Rochester and Wareham, the departments stated.

Truck spray zones might be in Douglas, Dudley, Oxford, Sutton and Uxbridge.

In 2019 and 2020, over the past EEE outbreak in Massachusetts, 17 people had been contaminated and 7 died.

The state will use the pesticide Anvil 10+10 “an EPA-registered product extensively tested and used in both ground-level and aerial spraying in the U.S. to control mosquitoes,” in a ultra-low quantity aerosol, the departments stated.

DPH and MDAR said it’s “unlikely a person would be exposed to amounts that would cause adverse health effects” and particular precautions are “unnecessary.” Fruits, greens and water uncovered to the spray space are thought of secure to eat, and pets may be introduced inside to attenuate publicity however it’s “not necessary.”

Nevertheless, the departments added, folks with sensitivity to chemical substances or respiratory situations like bronchial asthma are inspired to remain indoors throughout spraying. Residents with small fishponds or beehives ought to contemplate making use of covers to defend the animals, they stated.

MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle stated the state should take “decisive action to protect public health,” noting the spraying will goal mosquitoes carrying the EEE virus.