Peabody Still at 'Moderate Risk' Level for EEE, West Nile Virus

Peabody Health Director Sharon Cameron says that while the first human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Essex County (Georgetown) this year was reported today, Peabody's risk level has not been raised.

No human cases have been reported in the Tanner City.

"At this time, the state has not raised the risk level for Peabody. We are still considered to be at moderate risk," Cameron said. "The Board of Health is meeting tomorrow night and I will make them aware of this Essex County case and follow their recommendations."

She said that in the meantime, all residents are urged to continue to take precautionary measures to avoid mosquito bites until after the first hard frost, as outlined in a letter recently sent home with students and posted on the school district's website. You can find the letter attached here as a PDF.

Cameron said the letter was also shared with private schools, daycare providers and all recreational sports leagues in the city.

The Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District did also conduct another round of precautionary pesticide spraying on Sept. 10. No further spraying is planned as of yet.

While no human cases of EEE or West Nile Virus have been reported in Peabody, mosquitoes have tested positive for both EEE, route: {:controller=>"articles", :action=>"show", :id=>"eee-infected-mosquito-found-in-peabody"} --> and  in August in the area of South Peabody,