SEPTEMBER 2024 UPDATE-

September 16th, 2024: EEE Update

During the emergency Board of Health meeting on 9/14, the 2 following actions were decided:

• The Board of Health authorized the Health Director to sign Emergency Waivers received from public and private schools, to spray on school properties in compliance with the (MA) Children's Protection Act. 
• The Board of Health strongly recommended community members to restrict outdoor activities from dusk to dawn until the Town's risk level is reduced from high to moderate. 

Spraying to start after dusk on Monday (9/16) -Tuesday (9/17) and Thursday (9/19). Spraying will be paused in the event of rain or if playing fields are in use. 

School Mosquito Spraying Locations. 

• Willard Elementary - 185 Powder Mill Road
• Peabody Middle School -1231 Old Marlboro Road
• Sanborn Middle School - 835 Old Marlboro Road
• Thoreau Elementary - 29 Prairie Street
• Alcott Elementary - 93 Laurel Street
• Concord-Carlisle High School - 500 Walden Street
• Ripley Administration Building - 120 Meriam Road

It is imperative that the public remain vigilant and that Concord residents take precautions and avoid contact with mosquitoes:

• Avoid outside areas with obvious mosquito activity
• Use CDC recommended insect repellent anytime outdoors: Preventing Mosquito Bites | Mosquitoes | CDC
• Wear long sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks 
• Limit outdoor activities to the extent possible
• Remove standing water where mosquitoes can breed
• Repair window screens- keep mosquitoes out 

September 13th, 2024: EEE Update

Concord Update: The Board of Health has called an emergency Zoom meeting to discuss the new high-risk level for Concord. Agenda is posted on the committee website: Minutes & Agendas • Concord, MA • CivicEngage (concordma.gov)

Date & Time: Saturday, September 14th, 2024 at 7:00 PM

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86135920742?pwd=ibkTCqfbHdUtao663GclgSfabBOD8X.1

Meeting ID: 861 3592 0742

Passcode: 708994

MDPH 9/13/24 Press Release: State health officials announce 11th human case of West Nile virus and EEE risk level change | Mass.gov

"DPH announced today it is raising the Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) risk levels to high in Concord in Middlesex County due to two consecutive weeks of EEE-positive mosquito findings in species known to be able to spread the virus to humans. This is an expansion of an area already considered to be at high risk from EEE.

There have been 314 WNV-positive mosquito samples so far this year detected from Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties. There have been 95 EEE-positive mosquito samples, four human cases, and two horse cases reported in Massachusetts so far this year.

People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.

• Avoid mosquito bites
• Mosquito-proof your home
• Protect your animals

More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at Mosquito-borne Diseases | Mass.gov which is updated daily, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800."

September 12th, 2024: EEE Update

East Middlesex Mosquito Control reported 2 mosquito pools have tested positive for EEE in Concord. Based on their recommendation, spraying will be initiated after sunset. The spray will only be applied directly to large vegetation (trees, brush, bushes). Areas where people congregate will not be sprayed, for example, fields where activities take place and other areas like picnic tables and playgrounds.

The areas to be sprayed on 9/12/2024, after dusk - approximately 11:30pm, are as follows:

• Emerson Field - 90 Stow St
• Rideout Playground - 61 Laws Brook Rd

The pesticide is Suspend Polyzone (info link 1, info link 2). The active ingredient is deltamethrin, which is a pyrethroid. Pyrethroids are compounds that are similar to pyrethrins, which are found in chrysanthemum flowers. Some common pyrethroid products used by consumers include flea and tick shampoos/collars for pets; lice and scabies treatments (shampoos, etc.) for humans; insect repellent clothing, etc. The pesticide will be dry by the next morning and no precautions are needed. It will not harm pets if they wander into the woods.

9/13/24 Update: Concord is at a high-risk level.

Please Note: 1 of the reported species of mosquitos that tested positive, is a species that has the potential to bite during the daytime. 

It is imperative that the public remain vigilant and that Concord residents take precautions and avoid contact with mosquitoes:

• Avoid outside areas with obvious mosquito activity
• Use CDC recommended insect repellent anytime outdoors: Preventing Mosquito Bites | Mosquitoes | CDC
• Wear long sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks 
• Limit outdoor activities to the extent possible
• Remove standing water where mosquitoes can breed
• Repair window screens- keep mosquitoes out 

The Health Director has informed the area public, continues to work with schools, and will continue to advise the community of any elevation in risk level. For more information see Massachusetts Arbovirus Update | Mass.gov

EEE FAQ’s

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus, which is spread by infected mosquitoes. The EEE virus can cause inflammation or swelling of the brain (encephalitis). We encourage you to review Mass.Gov's website regarding EEE for more information: 

• EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalitis) | Mass.gov
• EEE in Massachusetts | Mass.gov

September 6th, 2024: Mosquito Born Diseases

Concord Health is in close communication with the Mass Dept of Health regarding the presence of the West Nile and EEE in regional mosquito populations. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced on Friday (9/7/24) one additional human case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and one additional human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in Massachusetts this year. The DPH raised the risk level to High in Acton and Moderate in Concord. Concord residents are asked to take precautions and avoid contact with mosquitoes:

• Avoid outside areas with obvious mosquito activity
• Avoid being outside at dusk and dawn 
• Remove standing water where mosquitoes can breed
• Use CDC recommended insect repellent: Preventing Mosquito Bites | Mosquitoes | CDC
• Wear long sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks 
• Repair window screens- keep mosquitoes out. 

The Health Director has informed the area public and private schools of the DPH advisory, particularly regarding evening activities, and will continue to monitor and advise the community of any elevation in risk level. For more information see Massachusetts Arbovirus Update | Mass.gov