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Aug 18, 2008 7:53 pm US/Eastern
Mass. Reports 1st Mosquito Sample Of EEE
BOSTON (AP) ―
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has confirmed the first positive mosquito sample of eastern equine encephalitis and more samples of West Nile virus in birds and mosquitoes.
No human cases have been reported. There were six human cases of West Nile last year and none of EEE.
EEE was found in mosquitoes in Carver. West Nile has been found in crows in Barnstable, Belchertown, Hingham, Plymouth and Worcester. The virus also has been found in mosquitoes in Boston, Brookline, Brockton, Dartmouth, Dedham, Medford, Needham, Weymouth and Worcester.
Both diseases usually spread to humans through insect bites. Wearing long-sleeved clothes, using DEET-containing insect repellent and reducing outdoor evening activity can help residents avoid EEE and West Nile.
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