EEE Threat Reaches Critical Level Around Easton Swamp
EASTON (CBS) - The threat of mosquito dangers has taken on new urgency in Massachusetts with this year's first reported human case of EEE in the state.
While the victim lives in a part of the state that has not turned up any infected mosquitoes this summer, and had traveled out of state, there are a number of critical areas that officials say are as bad as they've ever seen them when it comes to infected mosquitoes.
Officials in Massachusetts are narrowing their focus on the Hockamock Swamp in Easton, where they say they've had an alarming number of mosquitoes test positive for EEE. Every single mosquito pool test in the area has come back positive for EEE.
"Hockomock is an incredible place for wildlife. Its diversity is enormous, but mosquitoes are there as well. It is really ground zero for Eastern Equine Encephalitis," says Tom French, with the State Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Youth athletic leagues like Pop Warner have had to adjust schedules to get children inside before prime mosquito time at sunset.
"We're off the field at 7," says Easton Pop Warner President Keith Goodwin.
State officials have already sprayed the federally protected swamp. They are now planning another round of aerial spraying in Easton and five surrounding towns.
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