EEE, West Nile virus found in more towns

Mosquitoes infected with eastern equine encephalitis have been found in another Southeastern Massachusetts town, state health officials said this afternoon.

Berkley in Bristol County is the latest town in which insects tested positive for the dangerous disease. Last week the state Department of Public Health said infected mosquitoes had been identified in Carver, a town in neighboring Plymouth County.

The state's disease trackers also reported today on another disease transmitted by mosquito bites. West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes were collected in Boston, Clinton, Foxborough, New Bedford, Newton, Northampton, Norton, Wayland, Westport, and Westwood last week. Infected crows were found in Barnstable, Edgartown, East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Norfolk, North Andover, and Hatfield, and infected blue jays were found in Barnstable, Carlisle, Hampden, Scituate, and Watertown.

There have been no human cases of either disease reported in Massachusetts this summer. Last year six people in the state developed West Nile. From 2004 through 2006, 13 people contracted EEE and six people died.

Because insects or birds infected with West Nile virus or EEE have been found in so many cities and towns, residents should assume the virus is present in their community, DPH said. People can take the same precautions against both mosquito-borne diseases.

To keep from being bitten, public health specialists suggest people avoid being outside from dusk to dawn, peak time for mosquito activity. If outdoor activity is necessary during those hours, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks can provide protection. Repellents can help, too, including DEET, permethrin, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. DEET should not be used on babies younger than 2 months and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of 3 years.

Draining standing water from gutters, unused flower pots, and wading pools can deprive mosquitoes of necessary breeding grounds. And having secure window screens can prevent the bugs from getting inside homes.