Health Department Director & Public Health Nurse AnneMarie Fleming would like to share information with residents to ensure that they stay protected against mosquito-borne illnesses. 

Mosquitoes can spread diseases that make you sick, including Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV). The Massachusetts Department of Public Health tests for EEE and WNV from June to October. Recent testing indicated that the Town of North Attleborough’s current EEE risk is low, meaning EEE may occur in the area. The current WNV risk is also low, meaning infection is unlikely.  

The following information is courtesy of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Science: 

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) 

Eastern equine encephalitis is a rare mosquito-borne disease; however, cases have occurred in Bristol County in the past. EEE is most often discovered in mosquito samples found in and around freshwater or hardwood swamps. EEE is spread between infected mosquitoes and birds to humans and mammals, however, humans and mammals can’t spread the disease. 

Onset symptoms of EEE include fever, stiff neck, headache and a lack of energy in the first three to ten days before the disease progresses. The most dangerous symptom of the disease is inflammation and swelling of the brain. There is no treatment for EEE and the majority of those infected either die or are permanently disabled. 

West Nile Virus (WNV) 

West Nile Virus is a more commonly mosquito-carried virus that can cause mild illness to more serious diseases like encephalitis or meningitis. Whereas humans and other animals don’t spread EEE, WNV is spread most commonly by mosquito bites. WNV can also be spread through blood transfusion or organ transplant. Community members should note that people won’t become infected via direct contact with infected people, birds or animals. 

While the majority of people infected with WNV will have no symptoms, a small number will develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, rash and swollen lymph glands. Less than 1% of people infected with WNV will develop severe illness, including encephalitis or meningitis.   

Protect Yourself from Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

Community members can take several steps to protect themselves from contracting mosquito-borne illnesses such as: 

• Avoid outdoor events or activities between dusk and dawn as that is when mosquitos are the most active. 
• If outdoors, protect your skin from mosquito bites by wearing long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and socks.  
• Use a mosquito repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, IR3535 or lemon eucalyptus oil. Check age restrictions to ensure the repellent is safe for children. Permethrin products should only be used on clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear and should not be applied to the skin. 
• Protect your home from mosquitoes by ensuring all screens are properly secured to doors and windows and repair any holes that may be found. 
• Remove any standing water that may attract mosquitoes, including: 
  • Empty out or dispose of containers that may regularly collect water on your property. 
  • Drill small holes at the bottom of trash or recycling containers so water can drain out. 
  • Clean clogged roof gutters to promote the flow of rainwater. 
  • Change water in your birdbaths or ornamental ponds.  
  • Ensure that your pools are clean and properly chlorinated. 

North Attleborough residents can also request residential adulticide spray from the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project (BCMCP) to help reduce mosquitos in their yard. BCMCP will be using Duet, an EPA-approved reduced-risk adulticide that is approved for use in Massachusetts. To make a request, residents can call (508) 823-5253, fax (508) 828-1868, or e-mail a spray request to: RequestBristolMCP@comcast.net. 

Anyone with questions or concerns relating to mosquito-borne illnesses is encouraged to reach out to the health department at 508-699-0100 Ext. 2560. 

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