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Aerial Spray Reduced Mosquitoes In Southeastern Mass.

BOSTON (AP) — State health officials say aerial spraying in southeastern Massachusetts has reduced the mosquito population by about 60 percent, but risk for Eastern equine encephalitis remains.

Health Commissioner John Auerbach said Monday people in areas where EEE-infected mosquitoes have been discovered are advised to use repellent, wear protective clothing and avoid nighttime outdoor activities.

The spraying took place July 20-22 over 21 communities where EEE was found.

Seven communities are considered high risk and are advised to curtail evening activities. Those are Canton, Easton, Lakeville, Raynham, Rehoboth, Taunton and West Bridgewater. Since the spraying, EEE-bearing mosquitoes also have been found in Hanson.

Local control programs including ground spraying are continuing.

No human cases of EEE or West Nile virus have been reported this summer. Two EEE cases were reported last year and a Bristol County man died.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

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