By: Chelsea Priest, cpriest@abc6.com
Terri Newfield never thought too much about bug spray. If she had it, great, but if she forgot it at home it wasn't a big deal. That was until her uncle died from EEE just last summer, now things have changed. She says, "Now, even if I'm out and ask some random stranger 'hey do you have some bug spray, I forgot mine?' I have no shame in that."
On Monday morning, Terri was part of a news conference to alert the public about the high threat of EEE this season, and about steps being made to fight against it. The first human case of EEE was confirmed last Wednesday and Monday night six communities including Bridgewater, Easton, Norton, Raynham, Taunton and West Bridgewater will be aerial spraying to kill mosquitos. Two planes will cover the area between 7:45pm and 2:30am.
John Auerbach, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Health explains that there have been about 110, EEE positive mosquito pools so far this summer with 50% found in Easton. He recommends staying inside while the spraying is taking place.
He also explained that the spraying will only kill the mosquitos that are out flying, so the threat is still there.
