Posted August 26, 2019
DOUGLAS and SUTTON – State mandated aerial spraying for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) began this evening, Monday, August 26, 2019 in several communities in southern Worcester County, including Sutton and Douglas.
The spraying, conducted by Massachusetts Department of Agriculture, may occur from approximately 7:30 PM until 4:30 AM. Information is available at https://www.mass.gov/guides/aerial-mosquito-control-summer-2019 about Triple E, how to protect yourself, the products used, and a map of the spray area and more. In response to the high risk for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) designation by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in the Town of Sutton and a moderate risk in the town of Douglas, both towns recommend limiting ALL outside activities to before dusk and after dawn. The decision is based on the current threat level as well as the four documented human cases of EEE, including one identified in Grafton and a horse in both Uxbridge and Mendon.
“Please, if you must be outside between dusk and dawn, wear appropriate clothing which is long sleeve shirts and pants and use DEET-based insect repellent. Precautions are a must,” stated Cheryl Rawinski, Public Health Director for the Town of Sutton. Check for areas which collect and have standing water such as bird baths, which can serve as mosquito breeding areas around your home and campsite. Visit the www.mass.gov and your local town website for updates in your community.
(The information courtesy of the Towns of Douglas and Sutton.)