The town of Groveland is proactively raising their risk for the mosquito-borne Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) from “low” to “moderate,” Finance and Personnel Director Denise Dembkoski said Wednesday. The elevation comes due in part to the prior years’ risk, regional activity related to EEE and current weather patterns, she said.
No mosquitos have tested positive for the virus so far this year in Groveland.
“We’re seeing a rise in EEE risk regionally, and we’re encouraging residents to take steps to protect themselves from mosquitoes as we head into fall,” Dembkoski said in a statement to WHAV. “That includes wearing mosquito repellent, draining standing water near your home, and limiting time spent outdoors at dusk.”
No spraying is scheduled to take place in the town, though Groveland plans to work with the Northern Massachusetts Mosquito Control District to do so should they recommend it take place.
Elsewhere across the Merrimack Valley, Haverhill completed EEE and West Nile Virus testing, with the city testing negative for both. Out of an abundance of caution, Haverhill’s after-school activities and sports will conclude at 7 p.m. until Sept. 30.