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More EEE-infected mosquitoes found in Mass.

E-mail | Print | Comments () Posted by Gideon Gil September 16, 2008 03:52 PM

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By Stephen Smith, Globe Staff

For the fourth time this summer, mosquitoes infected with eastern equine encephalitis have been found in Massachusetts -- this time in Raynham, in the southeastern corner of the state, public health authorities reported today.

Earlier, insects carrying the virus, which kills up to half of people who are infected, were discovered in Berkley, Carver, and Halifax.

No human cases of eastern equine encephalitis have been reported in Massachusetts since 2006.

The Department of Public Health also reported yesterday that West Nile virus continues to be detected in mosquitoes and crows, although no people have been diagnosed with the condition.

To avoid being bitten, public health authorities recommend that you 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. Repellants 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 breeding grounds. And secure window screens can prevent the bugs from getting inside homes.

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White Coat Notes covers the latest from the health care industry, hospitals, doctors offices, labs, insurers, and the corridors of government. Chelsea Conaboy previously covered health care for The Philadelphia Inquirer. Write her at cconaboy@boston.com. Follow her on Twitter: @cconaboy.

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