A mosquito carrying Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) was found in Wareham,  the Massachusett Department of Public Health announced on August 5. 

EEE is a rare but serious illness spread through mosquito bites. Those under the age of 15 or over the age of 50 are at the greatest risk, though anyone can be infected.

So far this year in Massachusetts, 39 EEE-positive mosquitoes have been sampled, and one person has been diagnosed with the virus.

Because Wareham is now listed as being high-risk for EEE, the state and town health departments recommend taking precautions against mosquito bites.

The Wareham Board of Health recommends applying insect repellent before going outside. Approved repellents include DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label.

Wearing long-sleeves, long pants, and socks outdoors can also reduce the risk of bites. 

The peak hours for mosquitos are between dusk and dawn, so people should be extra cautious at those times.

To mosquito-proof one’s home, drain standing water to prevent mosquito breeding and install or repair screens to keep mosquitoes from coming inside the house.

Plymouth County Mosquito Control conducts spraying from trucks to prevent mosquitoes.

The County sprays from a pick-up truck, and, by law, can only spray the homes of those who request it. So, not every home on the streets listed will be sprayed. 

Sprayers are ultra-low volume and located in the back of a pick-up truck. Weather permitting, the trucks operate from 2 a.m. to about a half hour before sunrise. 

Residents who would like their homes to be sprayed can call up to eight times per season. The spray kills mosquitoes, but does not prevent them from returning. 

To request a spray, call 781-585-5450 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Requests can also be submitted by mail to 272 South Meadow Road, Plymouth, MA, 02360, or by fax to 781-582-1276. Residents submitting a request by mail or fax should include their name, address, phone number, and email address. 

For a list of the streets to be sprayed, go to www.plymouthmosquito.org/spray-routes-for-adult-mosquito-control.html.