Aerial spraying against mosquitoes will take place in Wareham tonight, Thursday, August 5, after dusk.

State public health officials, working in conjunction with several other agencies and local public health partners, made the decision to conduct spraying following continued positive tests for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in mosquito samples from that part of the state, and have characterized the risk of EEE infection as a serious public health concern at this time.

In preparation for the spraying, residents should:

• Keep windows closed and fans off. Shut off air conditioners unless they have a setting for re-circulating indoor air.
• Keep pets, livestock and other domestic animals indoors during spraying to minimize their risk of exposure.
• Wash any homegrown fruits or vegetables before eating.

If skin or clothes or other items are exposed to the sprayed pesticide, wash with soap and warm water.

"Our decision to begin aerial spraying against mosquitoes in the southeastern part of the state is a reflection of the real risk of EEE that we're facing this year," said Governor Patrick. "This is an important step in our fight against mosquito-borne illness, but it's not the only one. I urge residents across the state to take simple, common-sense steps to protect themselves from mosquitoes. These include using bug spray and covering up when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito hours of dusk to dawn."

The specific pesticide being used in the aerial spraying, the same product already used in ground spraying throughout these communities, is very low in concentration and has been proven safe for humans at these levels.

In addition to Wareham, spraying will take place in Acushnet, Berkley, Bridgewater, Carver, Duxbury, Dartmouth, East Bridgewater, Easton, Fairhaven, Freetown, Halifax, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marion, Mattapoisett, Middleboro, New Bedford, Norton, Pembroke, Plympton, Plymouth, Raynham, Rochester, Taunton, and West Bridgewater.

More information on EEE and the use of aerial spraying is available at www.mass.gov/dph.