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 Wednesday.

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 Easton area over the past two weeks. This time, infected mosquitoes are found near the other end of the Shovel Town.

Previous cases were in mammal-biting mosquitoes found in South Easton and in Carver. and the most recent one on Tuesday.

Both Easton cases came from near the town's border with Raynham and Taunton.

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.

Aerial spraying will take place in Easton and 20 other surrounding towns beginning Friday evening, weather permitting.

For more information on EEE and aerial spraying, read the attached .pdf released by the Easton Board of Health