The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has now elevated the risk of contracting EEE in multiple SouthCoast towns.

Initially, 92 infected mosquitos were found in New Bedford, Freetown, Lakeville, Middleboro, Raynham, Carver, and Easton. One-third of those mosquitos are the type that is capable of spreading the virus to humans.

As of Friday afternoon, we are now receiving word that the DPH has elevated the risk of EEE to "High Risk" in Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, Fairhaven, Acushnet, and Taunton.

These risk categories are one step away from a "Critical" risk.

Towns like Dartmouth, and Dighton/Rehobeth are ranked as having a "Moderate" risk for EEE.

To get the latest results from EEE mosquito sampling, you can click on the blue button below.

Officials say that the risk of EEE transmission is elevated in these areas. They recommend that residents take "personal protective activities" like using bug spray and avoiding the outdoors during peak mosquito times.

Positive samples of EEE carrying mosquitos have also been found in Fall River this week and in Rochester last week; however, there were not enough infected insects to move the risk level.

In years past, the threat of EEE and West Nile Virus has caused school districts to reschedule some outdoor athletic competitions that were originally scheduled for nighttime.

 

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