HYANNIS – The threat of Eastern Equine Encephalitis is still present on Cape Cod despite the change of seasons. Mosquitoes may still be able to carry the potentially fatal virus and infect residents.
“There may be less, but people still need to take precautions. The risk for disease is elevated until we get the first frost,” explained Assistant Superintendent for the Cape Cod Mosquito Control Project Gabrielle Sakolsky.
Sakolsky said the first hard frost of the year would lower the risk. A hard frost requires four hours of temperatures below 28 degrees.
Bourne, Falmouth, Mashpee, Truro, and Wellfleet remain areas with a moderate EEE risk. All other towns on Cape Cod are at a low risk. No human cases of EEE have been found this season on Cape Cod.
Residents should still take caution until the first hard frost, Sakolsky said.
“Now I hope it’s cold enough that everybody is at least wearing long pants and long sleeves in the evenings,” she said.
Along with wearing long pants and sleeves, the Cape Cod Mosquito Control Project advises people to be aware of peak mosquito biting hours between dusk and dawn.
Apply insect repellent to all exposed skin. Standing water should be drained at homes, and screens should be installed or repaired in all doors and windows.
For more information, visit www.ccmcp.net and www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.