WORC. COUNTY – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) annoucned five municipalities in Worcester County will receive truck mounted spraying for mosquitos this week.
Those communities are Douglas, Dudley, Oxford, Sutton, and Uxbridge.
The spraying will occur this week, during the night, starting shortly after dusk and ending in the early morning, depending on weather. The exact schedule is not yet determined.
People with known sensitivities to chemicals or existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, are encouraged to stay indoors during spraying to reduce the chances of aggravating those conditions. Consumption of vegetables and fruits grown in the treated area or drinking water that might be taken from surface water bodies near spraying operations is considered safe.
DPH announced on Aug. 16, the first human case in the state of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a male in his 80s, exposed in Worcester County. During the last EEE outbreak in Massachusetts in 2019-2020, there were 17 human cases and seven deaths.
“We have not seen an outbreak of EEE for four years in Massachusetts,” said DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein. MD, PhD. “This year’s outbreak and activity raise the risk for communities in parts of the state. We need to use all our available tools to reduce risk and protect our communities. We are asking everyone to do their part.”
Spraying will use the pesticide Anvil 10+10, an EPA-registered product extensively tested and used in both ground-level and aerial spraying in the U.S. to control mosquitoes.
Precautions to Take and Additional Information
Residents in the areas planned for spraying should take the following precautions.
- Close street-facing windows and turn off any “outside air” settings on air conditioners.
- Keep pets inside between sunset and midnight, and do not let children play near or behind truck-mounted applicators when they are in use.
- Remain inside during the application and for 15-20 minutes afterwards.
- Wash off any vegetables from home gardens after spraying and before consuming them.
To avoid mosquito bites and the diseases they can transmit, residents are encouraged to practice the 5 Ds:
- DRESS in long sleeves and pants when possible. Cover up during periods of mosquito activity.
- DEET is an effective insect repellent. Always follow the label instructions.
- DAWN & DUSK are mosquitoes’ most active periods.
- DRAIN water from containers weekly. Avoid standing water, such as rain collecting in open bins, buckets, or toys.
