The current risk level in Amherst is moderate for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). This level of risk means that EEE has occurred in our area within the last year and/or there is EEE in mosquitoes in our area now. The risk level for West Nile Virus (WNV) remains at low.
What You Can Do:
- Repair screens
- Wear mosquito repellent when outdoors, especially between dusk and dawn
- Wear long sleeves and long pants from dusk to dawn
- Use mosquito netting on baby carriages and playpens
- Avoid outside areas with obvious mosquito activity
“Even as the weather begins to cool, it remains critically important that people take steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites,” said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH.
The Amherst Public Health Department continues to monitor the risk level of mosquito-borne illnesses in Amherst and is in close communication with the public school system and institutions of higher education. At this time, there have not been any restrictions placed on outdoor activities.
Should the EEE risk level in Amherst escalate or additional precautions be put in place, the Town of Amherst will post this information on the Town website www.amherstma.gov on their social media accounts and will share with local media outlets.
You can learn more about mosquito-borne illness here: www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito
A map of the state’s current EEE and WNV risk levels can be found here.
Contact: Julie Federman, Amherst Public Health Director at federmanj@amherstma.gov