EEE Found in Sherborn; Tips to Avoid Being Bitten By Mosquitoes

On Wednesday, Dover-Sherborn Patch reported the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus was found in mosquitoes in Sherborn.

Due to Medfield's close geographical proximity to Sherborn, Medfield Public School administrators issued letters to parents to notify them of Sherborn's finding and to offer tips on how to prevent their children from being bitten by mosquitoes. 

The EEE virus has not been found in Medfield as of Friday. The Town of Sherborn sprayed the following areas for mosquitoes Wednesday: Apple, Bridle Path, Deerfield, Greenwood, Ivy, Lampligher, Old Orchard, Page Farm, Russett Hill, Surrey Lane, Thoroughbred, W. Goulding, Washington (partial), Woodland and Wood.

principal Kim Cave sent out the following letter to parents of the school's students Friday: 

Dear Parents,

We want to make you aware that the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus was confirmed in mosquitoes in Sherborn yesterday.  The Town of Sherborn has addressed this situation by spraying multiple streets near where the virus was found. 

At this time, the virus has not been found in Medfield; but due to our proximity to Sherborn, the schools will be taking precautions.  Attached are two fact sheets from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health: one with some additional information about EEE and ways to reduce your risk, and one on mosquito repellents. 

Parents can help their children avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by:

Being aware of peak mosquito hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning hours.

Wearing clothing that can help reduce mosquito bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Using insect repellent when outdoors. Always follow product instructions.

We ask that if you choose to use mosquito repellent for your child that you apply it at home before sending them to school. 

School administrators will continue to monitor the situation closely and make decisions about activities in accordance with DPH recommendations. Thank you for your help.

Sincerely,

Kim L. Cave, Principal

Tips from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health:

• Mosquito-Proof Your Home – Drain Standing Water – Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.
• Install or Repair Screens – Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

More information is available at: www.mass.gov/dph/wnv. Information about WNV and EEE is also available by calling the DPH recorded information line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968), or the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.

For more information please call CMMCP at (508) 393-3055 or log on to our website at www.cmmcp.org.