EEE-positive mosquitoes found in Middleborough, health officials say

By Melanie Dostis, Globe Correspondent

A mammal-biting mosquito pool collected on July 25 in Middleborough tested positive Wednesday for Eastern Equine Encephalitis and the town’s risk level has been raised to high, according to state health officials.

Risk levels in the neighboring towns of Halifax, Plympton, and Wareham have also been raised from low to moderate, said Anne Roach , a spokeswoman for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, in a statement. Mosquito spraying will intensify on Middleborough grounds and in nearby communities in coming days, Roach said.

“EEE continues to be a concern throughout Southeastern Massachusetts,” said John Auerback, DPH commissioner, in a statement. “DPH will maintain its robust mosquito trapping and testing program to monitor risk this season.”

Officials urge residents to practice personal protection measures to avoid bites, Roach said.