PARTS OF REHOBOTH WILL AGAIN BE SPRAYED FOR MOSQUITOS BY THE MA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH ON 8/21/2019

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) today announced that as anticipated, a second round of aerial spraying for mosquitoes will take place in specific areas of southeastern Massachusetts. So far this year, 37 communities in Massachusetts have been found by DPH to be at either critical or high risk for the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus.

EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. Two human cases of EEE have been detected so far this year. 

MDAR will conduct and monitor aerial spraying in specific areas of Bristol and Plymouth counties which is anticipated to begin on Wednesday, August 21, and continue over several evenings. However, the ability to spray is weather dependent and the schedule may change. Not every community in Bristol and Plymouth County will be sprayed, please see a comprehensive list below.  Residents are encouraged to visit the DPH website at www.mass.gov/guides/aerial-mosquito-control-summer-2019 for the latest updates on spraying in their communities.

The spray zone is very similar to the first round, with 4 additional towns being partially sprayed: Attleboro, Mansfield, Marshfield, and a very small section of Abington.

• Communities entirely within the spray zone:
  • Bristol County: Acushnet, Berkley, Dighton, Freetown, Norton, Raynham, Taunton
  • Plymouth County: Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, Carver, Hanson, Halifax, Lakeville, Middleborough, Pembroke, Plympton, Rochester, West Bridgewater, Whitman

• Communities partially in the spray zone:
  • Bristol County: Attleboro, Dartmouth, Easton, Fairhaven, Fall River, Mansfield, New Bedford, Rehoboth, Somerset, Swansea
  • Plymouth County: Abington, Brockton, Duxbury, Hanover, Kingston, Marion, Marshfield, Mattapoisett, Norwell, Plymouth, Rockland, Wareham

Aerial spraying is conducted by airplane in areas of concern during early evening and nighttime hours.  There are no health risks expected during or after spraying. No special precautions are recommended, however, residents can reduce exposure by staying indoors during spraying.

Attached for your information is a press release about EEE and aerial spraying.  Your local health department will be aware of any plans for aerial spraying. Fact sheets and updates will be provided on the DPH website: (www.mass.gov/guides/aerial-mosquito-control-summer-2019).

The following resources are also available for your communications –

• For questions about aerial spraying, contact MDAR Crop and Pest Services at (617) 626-1700.
• For the most updated information on EEE risk and aerial spraying, contact the DPH Division of Epidemiology (617) 983-6800 or visit the DPH website at (www.mass.gov/guides/aerial-mosquito-control-summer-2019) for updated mosquito results, maps and incidence of positive mosquito samples (www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito).
• For general information on mosquito control, contact the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board within MDAR at (617) 626-1777.

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For further information, please see Press Release below (attachment)