Health Advisories

Mosquitos positive for West Nile & EEE

Residents urged to use bug spray when outdoors

 

BOSTON (July 3, 2024) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE) has been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts for the first time this year. The presence of these viruses was confirmed today by the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory in Norfolk & Plymouth Counties.  

WNV and EEE are usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. No human or animal cases of WNV or EEE have been detected so far this year. 

More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at Mosquito-borne Diseases | Mass.gov, which is updated daily, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.

 Use a mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, wear clothing to reduce exposed skin, drain standing water, and repair window screens. We also encourage everyone to make it a habit to check the mosquito-borne disease webpages on mass.gov so you know when and where mosquito activity is occurring.

Lake Mirimichi Fish Advisory

On May 23, 2024, the Department of Public Health notified the Plainville Board of Health of the results of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) measured in fish sampled from Lake Mirimichi in 2022 by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) summarized in their December 2023 report. PFAS levels in fish collected from this waterbody were above the DPH Fish Action Level (FAL) of 0.22 parts per billion (ppb) indicating that regular consumption of these fish may pose a potential health concern.   

DPH is recommending that sensitive populations should not eat any fish from Lake Mirimichi. The general population should limit consumption of all fish to 1 meal/year.

For additional detailed information please visit the following links.