Massachusetts DPH Says Aerial Spraying Effective In Cutting Mosquito Numbers

State health officials say aerial spraying has cut the mosquito population in half in six southeastern Massachusetts communities. 

Department of Public Health Commissioner John Auerbach warned on Wednesday that the results do not eliminate the threat of mosquito-borne illnesses in Massachusetts.  The spraying killed mosquitoes that were in flight during the Aug. 13 operation in Bridgewater, Easton, Norton, Raynham, Taunton, and West Bridgewater. It occurred after officials detected several mosquitoes infected with Eastern Equine Encephalitis in the area.

There has been only one confirmed case of human EEE in Massachusetts this year. Officials say the Metrowest resident may have contracted the disease out of state.  In June the department issued new guidelines that would allow health officials to consider spraying insecticides in a region if just one mammal-biting mosquito is found to be infected with EEE.  (AP)

Mosquitoes have tested positive for the West Nile Virus in Fall River.  Spraying will be done early Friday morning as a result in the area around Oak Grove Cemetery where the infected mosquitoes were collected and around Kennedy Park.  Fall River officials say all residents who live in the area should keep their windows closed and refrain from going outside during the spraying.  Last week, officials announced that a Middlesex County man in his 60's was the first human case of the virus this year in the state, compared to six human cases in Massachusetts last year. (Metro)