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Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a debilitating, potentially deadly virus that is transmitted
by mosquito bites. It causes very serious illness with at least 40 percent risk of death.
We have been monitoring the evidence of Triple E risk in the communities in the southeast
and have determined, as the Governor indicated, that we’re seeing a level of risk that is
significantly higher than we’ve seen in past years and therefore it is important to
take the action steps we can to reduce those risks. Ground spraying is ongoing and customary
under normal circumstances. By conducting aerial spraying we can reduce this elevated
risk to residents in Southeastern Massachusetts, those who are currently at the highest risk
of Triple E. There are some exclusion zones. Those exclusion zones are surface public water
supplies, organic farms. In green, there are the natural heritage endangered species areas
that have been excluded. There’s also some coastal zone up around Duxbury. We will keep
communities informed on a regular basis through the DPH website and through the media. The
website is www.mass.gov/dph. Residents can also call the 211 information line with any
questions or concerns that you may have. We are in close contact with local public health
officials and public safety officials, also with health care providers, daycare centers,
summer camps and organizations working with the elderly and disabled members of the communities.