Fairhaven Health Agent Warns Residents About Ticks and Mosquitoes Ahead of Summer

FAIRHAVEN -- May 22, 2024, Fairhaven health agent outlines tick and mosquito safety steps as warm-weather season begins. Health Agent David Flaherty addressed the Board of Health on May 22, urging residents to wear protective clothing, use CDC-recommended repellents including DEET and picaridin, and conduct daily full-body tick checks. Flaherty emphasized the severity of eastern equine encephalitis, noting that fewer than 100 cases have occurred in Massachusetts since 1938 but that roughly half of those infected have died and survivors are typically left permanently disabled. More than 60 of those cases originated in Plymouth and Norfolk counties. Flaherty directed residents with questions to the Fairhaven Health Department at 508-979-4023, extension 8130.