Raynham Officials Frustrated With Lack Of Aerial Mosquito Spraying

RAYNHAM (CBS) - One downside to the warm weather is the prolonged concerns about the diseases mosquitoes carry.

There is a newly confirmed case of EEE in Massachusetts, and the state's Department of Public Health now says the risk in Raynham is critical.

Many people believe aerial spraying is the solution for the EEE risk.

Raynham officials asked the state to do it in July, which was two months before an 80-year-old local man died of EEE. Now, a woman from Missouri who was visiting the area this summer has also been diagnosed with the disease.

WBZ-TV's Jim Smith reports.

Selectman Joe Pacheco said the state still hasn't sprayed.

"We're getting to the point now where we have two confirmed cases, one fatality as a result of this," said Pacheco.

Health officials said the EEE threat will be with us until the first frost.

"I think the level of concern is high, and the main issue is not only is the problem of the spraying not being done is the fact that our kids are fearful, our kids are afraid to be outside," said Martha Whitehill, a parent.

The family of the man who died has written a letter to the state public health commissioner saying DPH has failed to protect residents.

The state has said spraying is considered after a region's level is raised from high to critical. On Friday that level in Raynham was officially elevated to critical, and Pacheco now expects action.

"I want spraying done now. I want it done early, and I want it done often," said Pacheco.