Haverhill Completes EEE, West Nile Testing Amid Regional Mosquito Scare

(File photograph.)

Mayor James J. Fiorentini’s office Friday afternoon said the Northeast Mosquito Control District completed testing for both equine encephalitis virus (EEE) and West Nile virus this week, with the city testing negative for both.

Haverhill’s risk remains moderate as additional testing resumes Monday, spokesman Shawn Regan told WHAV.

While no infected mosquitos have been found in the city this year, Fiorentini suspended all nighttime after-school sports practices and games and is recommending outdoor events and activities be postponed until further notice.

“We are advising that residents stay indoors from dusk to dawn, to the extent possible,” Fiorentini said. “Typically, this lasts until the first frost.”

Haverhill Public Schools’ Superintendent Margaret Marotta said all after-school activities and sports will conclude at 7 p.m. until Sept. 30. All school facilities, including the high school track and playing fields, will close at 7 p.m. until Sept. 30.

For further protection from mosquito bites, Fiorentini suggests residents limit outdoor activities from dusk until dawn, use insect repellant and wear long sleeves and long pants. Property owners are also advised to check for standing water that may attract mosquitos.

While rare, the EEE virus may cause brain infections or encephalitis and leave serious, lifelong complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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