EEE Tests Negative In Wayland, Sudbury — But Risk Remains

WAYLAND, MA — The most recent tests of mosquito pools in Wayland Sudbury, and Framingham were negative for Eastern equine encephalitis — but that doesn't mean locals should stop being on guard, Wayland health officials say.

The tests were confirmed negative on Sept. 27, and will be the last tests of the year. But the risk of EEE will remain high in the area until the first hard frost. Mosquito spraying from trucks and the air also concluded on Sept. 19.

"We strongly encourage everyone to continue to follow our advice on protection from mosquito bites," the Wayland Health Department said in a press release on Monday.

Some tips from the Wayland Health Department include:

• Apply Insect Repellent at all times when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient (DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) 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% or less on older children.
• Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes, this can vary each day depending on the weather(muggy, cloudy, or rainy days can be very buggy). Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur between hours of 6pm to 8am in areas of high risk or critical risk.
• Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
• When using bug or mosquito repellent please make sure you follow instructions on the product label provided.
• Check your yard for items that may be holding standing water, dump out the water to prevent mosquito breeding.
• Check screens in your house and take measures to prevent mosquitoes from coming into your house.

READ: Sudbury Girl With EEE May Leave Hospital Soon