Mayor James J. Fiorentini > Press Release

August 24, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Mayor Orders Mosquito Spraying Across City;
EEE-laden Mosquito Detected in Neighboring Merrimac

HAVERHILL- Mayor James J. Fiorentini has ordered mosquito control spraying to occur overnight this Thursday, August 27 from 8PM until 5AM on Friday, August 28.

This action is being undertaken as a precautionary measure after a mosquito was identified in the neighboring Town of Merrimac as carrying Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEE.

The mosquito control spray area is citywide, at the recommendation of the Northeast Mosquito Control Project. The spraying will be undertaken from the back of spray trucks that will traverse every street in the City with the standard Anvil 10+10 solution.

“I am taking this step as a precautionary measure at the recommendation of the Northeast Mosquito Control Project and the Board of Health,” emphasized Mayor Fiorentini. “I want to make clear that there have been no reports of infected mosquitoes so far in Haverhill. Hopefully this spraying will keep it that way,” added the Mayor.

The Board of Health recommends taking common sense precautionary measures, such as using insect repellant, wearing long sleeves and long pants, and avoiding outdoor activities from dusk to dawn. In addition, residents are urged to check their properties for unattended containers of standing water which may attract mosquitoes.