Department of Public Health Information below:
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) will continue to conduct and monitor aerial spraying in specific areas of southeastern Massachusetts, which began in the evening hours of August 8th. Since then, a Plymouth resident over the age of 60 has been officially diagnosed with the disease, that can prove fatal. This case is the first in six (6) years.
The ability to spray moving forward is weather dependent and may change. Residents are encouraged to visit the Aerial Spraying Map for the latest updates on spraying in their communities.
Communities entirely within the spray zone (except for exclusions):
- Bristol County: Raynham, Taunton, Dighton, Berkley, Freetown, Acushnet
- Plymouth County: Whitman, East Bridgewater, West Bridgewater, Hanson, Bridgewater, Halifax, Plympton, Kingston, Carver, Middleborough, Lakeville, Rochester
Communities partially in the spray zone:
- Bristol County: Easton, Norton, Rehoboth, Swansea, Fall River, Dartmouth, New Bedford, Fairhaven
- Plymouth County: Brockton, Rockland, Hanover, Pembroke, Duxbury, Plymouth, Wareham, Marion, Mattapoisett
Frequently asked questions
What is Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE)?
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus that can affect people of all ages. EEE is generally spread to humans through the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. EEE can cause severe illness and possibly lead to death in any age group; however, people under age 15 are at particular risk. EEE does not occur every year, but based on mosquito sampling, a high risk of occurrence of human cases currently exists.
Photo Slider: Bristol County Mosquito Control employee with mosquito traps in Fall River (2018)
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