Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
This year is expected to be an active season for EEE and other mosquito-borne diseases.
In its effort to raise awareness about what is expected to be an active upcoming season for Eastern Equine Encephalitis and other mosquito-borne diseases, the Department of Public Health collaborated with the MMA on an informational webinar today to help municipalities prepare.
2019 was an especially active season for EEE, a rare but serious mosquito-borne disease that comes in two- or three-year cycles, and 2020 is expected to be similar. There is no treatment for EEE, and about half of those infected with the disease die from it. People who survive are often permanently disabled, and few people recover completely.
Panelists for the webinar were:
• Dr. Catherine Brown, state epidemiologist and state public health veterinarian, Department of Public Health
• Alisha Bouchard, chief of staff, Department of Agricultural Resources
• Taryn LaScola-Miner, director of the Crop and Pest Services Division in the Department of Agricultural Resources
The moderator was Jana Ferguson, assistant commissioner at the Department of Public Health.
The state officials covered their efforts to control mosquito populations, educate the public about the risks of mosquito-borne diseases and preventative measures, and partner with communities and mosquito control districts.