Mosquito Disease Season Is Starting Early & Is Going to Get Worse

As summer heats up in Southeastern Massachusetts, residents are bracing for a new surge of mosquito-borne diseases. Recent tests have confirmed the presence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV) in local mosquito populations, signaling a potentially severe mosquito season ahead – and requiring more caution. With memories of the 2019 EEE outbreak still fresh, it’s crucial to take proactive measures to help protect ourselves and our communities from the risks of mosquito bites, and Mosquito Squad is here to help.

Early Signs of an Outbreak

Typically, the peak of mosquito season in Massachusetts spans from late July through the end of summer, when diseases are most likely to appear. But this year, mosquitoes have tested positive for EEE and WNV much earlier than usual. In fact, the first positive instance of EEE was recorded on July 1, 2024. In many counties in SE Massachusetts, the risk level has been upgraded from low to moderate. These counties include Halifax, Plympton, Kingston, Middleborough, Carver, Plymouth, and Wareham. It’s important to note that while no humans have tested positive for EEE this year, individual mammal-biting mosquitoes have, meaning the risk is definitely there for infection.

These early positive tests are alarming because they suggest a longer period of potential exposure to these dangerous viruses. In 2019 Massachusetts experienced a surge in EEE cases, which tragically led to several fatalities and created a new public awareness around these concerns. During this time, Massachusetts saw an unprecedented number of EEE cases, prompting public health warnings and widespread efforts to mitigate mosquito populations. Many residents took extra precautions, which helped lower but not eliminate infections and deaths. For most people, the precautions were put in place late in the season, reducing their effectiveness. We encourage those in SE Massachusetts to take precautions now to minimize the risk of contracting these dangerous diseases.

Given the current indications of another breakout, it is critical to prepare for a similar, if not worse, season. This means residents need to know what symptoms they should look out for, and how to take all necessary steps to prevent illness.

Mosquito-Borne Illnesses in Massachusetts

The diseases found in local mosquitoes are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. While not every mosquito carries these viruses, EEE and WNV in mosquito populations significantly increase the risk of transmission.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

A rare but serious illness with a high fatality rate, EEE symptoms include fever, headache, irritability, restlessness, drowsiness, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, and cyanosis. In severe cases, EEE can lead to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), which can be fatal or result in permanent neurological damage.

West Nile Virus (WNV)

More common than EEE, WNV generally causes milder symptoms and approximately 80% of infected individuals experience no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Severe cases can lead to neurological diseases such as encephalitis or meningitis.

Proactive Measures for Mosquito Bite Prevention

To help protect yourself and your loved ones from mosquito-borne diseases, there are proactive measures you can take in your home and when outdoors.

Mosquito Squad recommends that everyone follow these steps in every mosquito season:

• Apply effective insect repellents to exposed skin and clothing.
• Wear protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks when outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Ensure that windows and doors have screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home. Repair any holes or tears in screens to prevent entry.
• Remove or treat standing water around your home where mosquitoes breed. This includes birdbaths, flowerpots, clogged gutters, and any containers that can hold water.
• Use mosquito netting over strollers, cribs, and sleeping areas when spending time outdoors.
• Avoid hours of peak mosquito activity(Dawn/Dusk)

All of these measures help you avoid bites from mosquitoes that are already present, but the best way to ensure maximum protection is to use a professional pest control service like Mosquito Squad of Southeastern Massachusetts. Our technicians can help you identify mosquito hotspots like standing water and make recommendations on protective measures, but our focus is on targeting mosquitoes throughout their lifecycle. Along with preventing reproduction by reducing mosquito environments, we also use traditional and natural barrier sprays to reduce mosquito populations by up to 85-90% for up to 21 days on your property. This approach ensures a holistic treatment that gives you the best chances of prevention.

By taking proactive measures now, we can help defend our families and communities against the potentially severe consequences of mosquito-borne illnesses.

Why Choose Mosquito Squad of Southeastern Massachusetts?

As we navigate through this challenging mosquito season, staying informed about local health advisories and mosquito activity is crucial. Pay attention to public health announcements and take recommended precautions seriously – our team is constantly monitoring this for new developments to adjust our approach as necessary.

At Mosquito Squad of Southeastern Massachusetts, we specialize in effective mosquito control solutions tailored to meet your needs. Our trained technicians utilize proven methods to help defend your property against mosquitoes, reducing the risk of exposure to mosquito-borne diseases. With our barrier treatments, you can enjoy your outdoor spaces with confidence, knowing that we are working to keep EEE, WNV, and other mosquito-borne illnesses away. Together, we can mitigate the impact of EEE and WNV on our community.

For more information on mosquito control services and how to help protect your home from the risk of mosquitoes, contact Mosquito Squad of Southeastern Massachusetts today. Our team is dedicated to providing effective solutions to help you enjoy a more comfortable outdoor environment.