More mosquitoes with EEE found in southeastern Mass.

By Stephen Smith, Globe Staff

Mosquitoes infected with eastern equine encephalitis have been found in New Bedford and Raynham, the eighth time this year insects carrying the highly lethal virus have been discovered in southeastern Massachusetts, state health authorities reported this afternoon.

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

Heavy rains in recent weeks have contributed to a flourishing mosquito population, state disease trackers said.

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