EEE Update 10/24/19

On behalf of the Hanover Town Manager and the Superintendent of Schools, we are issuing the following statement due to multiple media and citizen inquiries this morning related to public health concerns regarding EEE.

At this time, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has NOT confirmed clinical laboratory results for any Hanover residents for the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus.

“No mosquito collections have tested positive for EEE this year in Hanover, and no EEE positive clinical lab results for Hanover residents have so far been reported,” said Kevin Cranston, DPH Director of the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences. “Also, DPH is taking no action at this time regarding the current risk level of ‘moderate’ in Hanover.” 

We have also been advised by DPH that no additional public health actions, or rescheduling of evening activities, are recommended at this time. DPH continues to recommend all residents in moderate risk areas avoid mosquito bites by limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, using mosquito repellents, and wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors in the evening.  The risk of EEE does not end until there is a local killing frost.

Our offices including the Town of Hanover Health Agent and Public Health Nurse have been in constant contact with state public health officials regarding this issue. We will share additional information if it becomes available, via our regular communications channels for the Town of Hanover.

Joe Colangelo, ICMA-CM
Town Manager
Town of Hanover
781-826-5000, ext. 1084
joseph.colangelo@hanover-ma.gov

Matthew Ferron
Superintendent of Schools
(781) 878-0786
mferron@hanoverschools.org