Reference image | Courtesy of the United States Africa Command / Staff Sergeant Caleb PierceThe Massachusetts Department of Public Health has confirmed mosquitos carrying the Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) in Shrewsbury as of September 4th, 2019.
Approximately 30% of people with EEEV die and several survivors have ongoing neurologic problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
The Health Agency issued a report regarding this threat, and portions of the Town will be sprayed by truck in the highlighted areas of the map below.
Map of the areas in the Town of Shrewsbury (marked in red) to be sprayed this Thursday, September 5th, 2019 against mosquitoes carrying EEEV. (Credits: Massachusetts Department of Public Health)The confirmation comes after previous evidence of EEE virus samples in Westborough announced by the Shrewsbury Post on August 7th, 2019; and then, the raising of Shrewsbury’s status to critical risk for infection on August 16th, and afterward the official confirmation that Shrewsbury is decidedly among the affected areas requiring fumigation.
How to prevent infection?
The CDC advises that the most effective way to prevent infection from ÂÂÂEEEV is to avoid mosquito bites. Mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, treat clothing and gear, and take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors. More information could be found at the CDC official website here.
For the most updated information on EEE risk and aerial spraying in Massachusetts, contact the DPH Division of Epidemiology at (617) 983-6800 or the Shrewsbury Health Department at 100 Maple Avenue, 1st Floor, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, telephone 508-841-8347.
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Half of Settlers road is in Shrewsbury and the other half is in Northborough. The map did not show that. It showed all of Settlets road in Northborough.