Locals advised to be on lookout for Triple-E

NAHANT – With the discovery of mosquitoes carrying potentially lethal Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Massachusetts last week, area residents are being urged to take precautions even though no mosquitoes trapped in Nahant have tested positive.Nahant Health Agent John Coulon urged residents to use insect repellent at times when mosquitoes are active and to eliminate areas that could serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes on their property.Coulon said there are more than 50 species of mosquitoes in Massachusetts but only a handful of species are connected to diseases that affect humans. He said the species known to carry EEE breed primarily in marshy areas and the mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus have a preference for standing water.Coulon said in the past, the mosquito control plan put that was put together by Essex County in previous years was effective and its management plan has been implemented again this year.One of the main components of the management plan is larviciding catch basins. Coulon explained the larvicides are effective in controlling mosquitoes and the treatment used to kill the larva in the catch basins and storm drains is very use-specific. He said it is a bacteria that is only harmful to insects, including mosquitoes, that breed in a specific way.Coulon added the Northeast Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District has set up traps in town and would monitor the mosquito population based on information it collects from mosquito traps.Traps are located in the Lowlands.Coulon said if captured mosquitoes test positive for disease, the town would determine what other mosquito control measures would be implemented throughout the rest of the summer.No human cases of EEE have been diagnosed in Massachusetts since 2008 but between 2004 and 2006, there were 13 confirmed cases that resulted in six deaths.Coulon said residents should eliminate sources of standing water in their yards including bird baths. He also suggested wearing mosquito repellent and clothing that covers the arms and legs when mosquitoes are most active, which is usually after dusk.