'Don't let your guard down': EEE detected in Cape Cod mosquito samples

Two mosquito samples from Provincetown have tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) , and officials are urging folks to take steps to reduce the chance of being bitten.

According to a release from the town of Provincetown , one of the samples was a woodland species of mosquito that "mainly feeds on birds but will occasionally bite mammals/humans." The other sample is a species that bites humans and mammals.

Gabrielle Sakolsky, superintendent of the Cape Cod Mosquito Control Project said staff members had placed additional mosquito traps in Provincetown, with plans in the offing to apply larvicide where breeding grounds are found.

"We have immediate response plans in place when EEE is detected," said Sakolsky, reached by phone.

While people may see fewer mosquitoes this time of year, the risk of a bite from a mosquito carrying EEE or West Nile virus can be greater, said Sakolsky.

"Don't let your guard down," she said. "People should be using repellent."

According to the state Department of Public Health , West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis "are viruses that occur in Massachusetts and can cause illness ranging from a mild fever to more serious disease like encephalitis or meningitis."

The town of Provincetown provided these tips to help reduce the chance of being bitten by a mosquito:

— Schedule outdoor events to avoid the hours between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

— When you are outdoors, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and socks. This may be difficult to do when the weather is hot, but it will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

— Use a repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to the instructions given 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. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.

— Keep mosquitoes out of your house by repairing any holes in your screens and making sure they are tightly attached to all your doors and windows.

— Remove areas of standing water around your home.

More information about mosquito-borne disease prevention can be found at mass.gov/mosquito-borne-diseases .

Eric Williams writes about a variety of ways to enjoy the Cape, the weather, wildlife and other subjects. Contact him at ewilliams@capecodonline.com . Follow him on X: @capecast.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: 'Don't let your guard down': EEE detected in Cape Cod mosquito samples