EEE Alert from Carlisle Board of Health
The Department of Public Health notified the Carlisle Board of Health on September 5th that Carlisle is now considered at high risk for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) due to positive mosquito pools in the area and a confirmed case in an Acton resident. This is the third reported human case of EEE in Massachusetts this year. High risk means there are conditions in the area likely to result in exposure to EEE. EEE is a rare but serious infection and can be fatal. Carlisle is still considered at low risk for West Nile Virus (WNV). The Board of Health will be holding a special meeting on September 6th to discuss next steps for protecting residents.
Residents should take precautions to reduce their exposure to mosquito bites. Avoid being outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts and socks. Use a repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus (follow instructions). Remove standing water from around your house and repair torn or loose screens. Keep windows shut.
Additional information can be found at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito