BOARD OF HEALTH

MOSQUITO INFORMATION

The Town of Westminster is at Low Risk for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Low Risk for West Nile Virus (WNV). Please view the risk maps here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update#eee-and...

While we are at low risk, the State announced the first case of EEE in an animal and the first case of WNV in a human on August 6, 2024. 

On August 16, 2024, DPH announced the first case of EEE in a human. This was a male in his 80's exposed to EEE in Worcester County. DPH has since announced that there is a plan to spray for mosquitoes. The spraying began on August 27th. Please find this announcement here: 

https://www.mass.gov/news/state-officials-announce-plans-to-spray-for-mo...

You can also view the Mosquito Spray Map at this link: and navigate to see the communities in Plymputh County and Worcester County that this will be occurring in: 

https://massnrc.org/spray-map/Region/List

The Health Department wants to share tips on preventing mosquito bites:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high risk.

Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.

Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all windows and doors.

Protect Your Animals

Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.

For 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. 

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CROCKER POND - 2024 BEACH SEASON

MA-DPH has issued a letter to the Health Department regarding PFAS sampling at Crocker Pond Beach. The results of the sampling efforts indicate that PFAS is present, however, the waterbody is considered safe for swimming. Please see the Crocker Pond- PFAS tab on the left to view the letter and other guidance. Any questions regarding this, please reach out to our office.