Archive for category Community
State Health Officials Announce First Case of EEE in a Horse in Worcester Country in 2010
Posted by admin in Community, Mosquito, Pest Control on August 12, 2010
- Feeding Mosquito
- Feeding Mosquito
Residents urged to use bug spray, cover up when outdoors during peak mosquito hours
BOSTON — The Department of Public Health (DPH) today reported that a four-year-old horse from Warren has been diagnosed with eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). EEE infection was confirmed by the State Laboratory Institute today. The horse developed symptoms on July 31 and had to be euthanized on August 1. The most recent case of EEE infection in a horse in Worcester County occurred in 2003 in Brimfield.
There was one human case of EEE in Massachusetts during 2008; however, there were 13 cases with six deaths from 2004 through 2006. EEE is usually spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. EEE is a serious disease in all ages and can even cause death.
“Isolated cases of EEE are always possible outside of the traditional hotspots where we see outbreaks of human disease,” said DPH State Epidemiologist Dr. Alfred DeMaria. “This was an unvaccinated horse that lived adjacent to a very swampy area. We are hoping that it serves to remind people that both EEE, and particularly West Nile virus, can be present throughout Massachusetts during mosquito season. It is prudent to use bug spray and minimize your exposure to mosquitoes to help reduce your risk, no matter where you live.”
All arbovirus positive results from 2010 can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/dph/wnv.
People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.
Avoid Mosquito Bites
-
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 evening or early morning.
-
Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
-
Apply Insect Repellent when outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD) or IR3535 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.
Mosquito-Proof Your Home
-
Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.
- Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.
F&W Pest Control offers Homeowners customized solutions for helping protect their Families from Mosquitos.
F&W Supports the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
Lynne Gibbons will be walking May 16th & 17th 2010
Did you know that three million women are living with breast cancer — and one third of them don’t even know it? Even more startling, breast cancer kills approximately one woman every 13 minutes, robbing us of our mothers and grandmothers, our sisters, and our best friends. No one knows what causes breast cancer or how it can be prevented and there is currently no known cure.
Knowing these statistics and since cancer has unfortunately touched our family here at F&W (Lynne’s Mom, Barbara Lamoreaux) , we feel even more compelled to do something to bring us one step closer to finding a cure. This May Lynne Gibbons will join thousands of others in the Boston area to walk 39.3 miles in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.
As part of this commitment, she has agreed to raise at least $1,800 for the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer. Since 1992, the Crusade has raised and awarded more than $525 million for the cause. That money is used for medical research, clinical care, support services, education and early detection programs.While researchers have made significant progress in the last few years, there’s still more that needs to be done.
Lynne had this to add about her upcoming walk:
Barbara Lamoreaux with her daughter Lynne Gibbons
I know that the journey I’m about to take doesn’t begin to compare with the challenges that cancer patients and their families endure. So, for each step I take and for every time I think I can’t possibly go any father, I’ll be humbled… recognizing the small sacrifice I’m taking on behalf of millions of women everywhere. I’ll think of those who have lost the battle and of those who fight fearlessly everyday. Victory for me will be crossing the finish line with my Mom there, and surpassing my fundraising goal, and I hope you’ll be a part of it. Please take this opportunity to honor the women you love by donating to the cause. Give whatever you can – every dollar really does help. I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your support and encouragement in this big undertaking. When I hit the road, I’ll know that you were a special part of my journey and of the journey of so many others along the way.
Lynne’s Family and friends here at F&W Pest Control are extremely proud to support this worthwhile cause. If you would like further information on the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, please visit www.avonwalk.org.