South of Boston: Three communities on high alert for E.E.E.

Massachusetts public health officials are warning about risks for Eastern Equine Encephalitis in some communities south of Boston.

An alert, issued at 4 p.m. Wednesday, raised the risk-level for mosquito borne illness to “high” for Easton, Raynham and Taunton.

State epidemiologist, Dr. Al DiMaria, told WATD this warning comes very early in the season, and said it’s too soon to know whether infected mosquitos found in Easton represent an isolated incident.

There is currently no EEE alert for Marshfield or surrounding communities.

The disease killed a Raynham man last year, and has been found in this region the past several years, usually late July and August.

DiMaria recommends avoiding exposure to mosquitos at dawn or dusk, checking window and door screens, getting rid of standing water, covering up when outside, and using insect repellent.

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