A human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus has been identified in southeastern Massachusetts, but no cases of EEE in mosquitoes have been identified in Wareham at this time, according to the Wareham Board of Health and Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

No mandatory nightly curfew has been instated for the town, said Health Agent Robert Ethier, though he directed the School Department to implement a 6 p.m. curfew on all outdoor events due to the EEE threat.

"We are in a moderate alert in Wareham," Ethier said. "[Other] southeastern towns, like Middleborough, are in a severe alert."

A 43-year-old man from Plymouth County was recently diagnosed with EEE, according to a Department of Public Health press release. The patient was likely exposed to EEE in the southeastern section of Massachusetts, which has been identified as an area of elevated risk for mosquito-borne illness, the press release states. Aerial mosquito spraying was conducted in Plymouth County in early August.

Plymouth County Mosquito Control recommends that the public take the following precautions to protect against mosquito-borne illness:

• Avoid shaded areas where mosquitoes may be resting

• If possible, schedule your activities to avoid the times when mosquitoes are most active - usually dawn and dusk

• Wear protective clothing such as long pants and long sleeve shirts when outdoors

• Use insect repellents properly. DEET, Picaridin and Oil of Lemon-Eucalyptus are proven to be the most effective. Use repellents only as directed on the label.

• If you have a deck or patio, light it using General Electric yellow "Bug Lights." These lights are not repellant, per se, but do not attract mosquitoes like other incandescent lights. Mosquitoes are relatively weak fliers, so placing a large fan on your deck or patio can provide an effective low-tech solution.

• Check your door and window screens for holes and tears that mosquitoes can use to enter your home. Put 16 mesh screening or hardware cloth over bathroom and other vent outlets on your roof.

• Keep pools clean and chlorinated

• Keep emergent vegetation to a minimum in ponds and streams

• Keep ponds stocked with mosquito fish after consulting with local fish and game personnel to see if permits are needed. They are often available from your local mosquito control district. Steeply grade pond margins to prevent predators such as wading birds, raccoons, etc. from eating the fish.

• Eliminate all standing water on your property

For more information about EEE, contact the Department of Public Health at 617-983-6800.