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Dear Masconomet Community:
As you may have already heard, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has raised the threat for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) to "high." The Topsfield Department of Public Health has asked us to remind families to take necessary precautions to avoid contact with mosquitos:
• Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours - The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during late evening or early morning. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellant.
• Clothing Can Help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
• Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET ((N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)) 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. 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.
Additional information on Eastern Equine Encephalitis and other mosquito borne illnesses is available at:
https://www.mass.gov/lists/mosquito-borne-disease-information-for-the-general-public
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/eee-eastern-equine-encephalitis
Sincerely,
Michael M. Harvey, Ed.D.
Superintendent
EEE Reminder
Dear Masconomet Community:
As you may have already heard, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has raised the threat for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) to "high." The Topsfield Department of Public Health has asked us to remind families to take necessary precautions to avoid contact with mosquitos:
• Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours - The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during late evening or early morning. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellant.
• Clothing Can Help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
• Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET ((N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)) 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. 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.
Additional information on Eastern Equine Encephalitis and other mosquito borne illnesses is available at:
https://www.mass.gov/lists/mosquito-borne-disease-information-for-the-general-public
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/eee-eastern-equine-encephalitis
Sincerely,
Michael M. Harvey, Ed.D.
Superintendent
