Canton Mosquito Tests Positive for EEE

State health officials say bird-biting mosquito in Canton has tested positive for EEE, Sharon Public Health Nurse Sheila Miller said today.

However, "there is no change to the risk levels for Canton or the surrounding towns at this time," Miller said.

Canton Department of Health Director John Ciccotelli could not be reached for comment at press time.

The Canton mosquito is the latest instance of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in the Sharon area over the past two weeks.

Both previous cases were in mammal-biting mosquitoes found in Easton. and the on Tuesday.

Both cases came from near Easton's border with Raynham and Taunton, not Sharon.

Health officials have been urging residents to take precautions when outside from dawn to dusk and have advised that people wear long sleeves, slacks, and socks and insect repellant.

For more information on EEE, read the fact sheet from the Center from Disease Control and Prevention.