Eastern Equine Encephalitis Found Again in Exeter

Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been detected in Exeter for a second time in two months.

Last month, EEE was found in a mosquito pool at Brickyard Park on Route 111. On Monday, the potentially deadly disease was found in another mosquito pool at the same park.

Municipal Pest Management will spray the park again, the town said in a notice to residents. Spraying creates a barrier that keeps mosquitoes out, town officials have said.

MPM sprayed the park last month. It was scheduled to spray it again Tuesday.

The town said the infected mosquito species is "predominantly a bird-biting mosquito." Mosquitoes transmit EEE through bites.

Exeter officials recommended residents take the following precautions:

1. Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed. Typical locations include gutters, old tires, birdbaths, and wheelbarrows.
2. Make sure the screens on your home are tight.
3. Protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing when outside at dusk and dawn. Avoid wetlands and swampy areas, and use an insect repellent containing 30 percent DEET according to manufacturer’s directions.