EEE Update from Superintendent

Dear MPS families, 

Based on recent Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) activity and/or positive mosquito detection in the area, Massachusetts Department of Public Health has raised the EEE risk in some towns. Residents are encouraged to take personal protective actions to avoid mosquito bites (see details below). At this time, no case of EEE has been confirmed by the Department of Public Health in Maynard, the Town has been closely monitoring the situation. The Town will notify the community if the situation changes. 

Families may wish to take additional precautions by dressing students in long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks, applying mosquito repellent to students’ clothing before sending them to school, or send students with mosquito repellent towelettes or non-aerosol lotions to self-apply before recess.  

We will continue to coordinate with Town and State authorities and provide updates as information becomes available.  

You can find more information on EEE, precautions, and communications on these websites: CDChttps://www.townofmaynard-ma.gov/ and Mass.gov     

The following is an announcement from the Town of Maynard.

The Town of Maynard is currently at a high risk threat level from the State of Massachusetts Department of Public Health for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). 

Although EEE virus has not been isolated in Maynard at this time, the virus has been found in several towns surrounding our community. As such, it is vital that residents take all steps necessary to avoid mosquito bites, whether at home or when visiting communities with elevated EEE risk. The threat is expected to remain elevated until the first hard frost of the year, which typically occurs in October. All residents are strongly urged to follow the recommendations listed below to protect themselves and their loved ones from illness caused by mosquitoes. The following recommendations are being made to reduce potential exposure:

  • Wear mosquito repellent: Products with 30% DEET, Permethrin, Picardin or oil of lemon eucalyptus are the most effective

  • Be aware of peak mosquito hours: Mosquitos are most active from dusk to dawn

  • Drain standing water on your property: Mosquitos lay eggs in standing or stagnant water

  • Wear long sleeves and long pants: Covering skin will limit potential exposure

  • Avoid outside areas with obvious mosquito activity

The East Middlesex Mosquito Control and Suffolk County Mosquito Control is a great resource, visit https://sudbury.ma.us/emmcp/

Click here for fact sheets related to EEE published by the Center for Disease Control (CDC)

The Town of Maynard contracts with East Middlesex Mosquito Control for larval mosquito control through helicopter and ground applications, catch basin larval control, and adult mosquito surveillance.