Confirmed EEE Mosquito Detected in Wellfleet
Posted on: September 4, 2019 - 4:13pm
DATE: September 4, 2019
CONTACT: Hillary Lemos, Agent
TOWN: Wellfleet TELEPHONE: 508-349-0308
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced today that EEE virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected from Wellfleet. The samples were taken on August 29, 2019 and we continue to sample the area.
EEE is a rare but serious illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. While EEE can infect people of all ages, people under15 years of age or over 50 years of age are at greatest risk for serious illness.
By taking a few, common-sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones:
Avoid Mosquito Bites
EEE is a rare but serious illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. While EEE can infect people of all ages, people under15 years of age or over 50 years of age are at greatest risk for serious illness.
By taking a few, common-sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones:
Avoid Mosquito Bites
• Be 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 evening or early morning. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellant.
• Clothing Can Help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
• Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.
Mosquito-Proof Your Home
Mosquito-Proof Your Home
• Drain Standing Water - Many mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change water in birdbaths.
• Install or Repair Screens - Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all your windows and doors.
• Protect Your Animals – As noted above- reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on your property by eliminating standing water, especially after heavy rains. Water troughs should be flushed out at least once a week to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horses should be kept in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Horse owners should contact their vet about approved mosquito repellants and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to DAR division of animal health by calling 617-626-1795, and DPH at 617-983-6800.
While the Wellfleet Board of Health continues to work closely with the MDPH and other local agencies, we are encouraging the public to avoid going outdoors during peak mosquito hours, and to take precautions when they are outside.
Information about EEE and reports of current and historical EEE virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website at
While the Wellfleet Board of Health continues to work closely with the MDPH and other local agencies, we are encouraging the public to avoid going outdoors during peak mosquito hours, and to take precautions when they are outside.
Information about EEE and reports of current and historical EEE virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website at