Mosquito and Tick Precautions

Mosquitoes are flying insects that transmit a number of diseases worldwide.  In our area, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV) are threats.  EEE is a very rare, but serious disease for which there is no treatment.  WNV is an illness ranging from a mild fever to more serious disease like encephalitis or meningitis.  

Health Services, EH&S and Public Safety and Service monitor the MA DPH WNV and EEE Risk Maps, the Town South Hadley Mosquito Information page and other regional data.  As risk levels rise, the Director of College Health Services will make determinations regarding outdoor activities. Generally, when regional risk level is high, Athletics will shift practice schedules of outdoor sports and College activities and events will be rescheduled, canceled or moved indoors between the hours of dusk and dawn, the period of peak mosquito activity.   Threat of mosquito-borne disease remains until the first hard frost.  

Horses and other animals must also be protected from mosquitoes. Owners should work with their veterinarian regarding animal-approved repellents and vaccinations to prevent EEE and WNV.  If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the MA Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795 and to the MA Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.  The MHC Equestrian Center takes all precautions to protect their horses, including frequently flushing out water troughs and ensuring that all horses are vaccinated.  

Regardless of risk level, everyone is strongly encouraged to take precautions against mosquitoes.  Always pay attention to MHC community announcements and advisories.  Stay up to date with public health information about mosquitoes from MA DPH,  CDC and other agencies.  Employees with questions or concerns about mosquito-borne diseases should reach out to their healthcare provider.  Students should contact College Health Services during the academic year or their healthcare provider during the summer and other College breaks when the Health Center is closed. 

Ticks are small arachnids that are usually found in wooded and grassy areas.  They do not fly, but attach to people and animals that come into contact with them.  In Massachusetts, there are several types of ticks known to spread diseases:

• Black-legged Ticks (also called Deer Ticks): spread Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, Borrelia miyamotoi  (a bacteria closely related to the bacteria that cause tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF)), and Powassan virus 
• Dog Ticks: spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever and certain types of tularemia
• Lone Star Ticks: illness from lone star ticks is currently rare in Massachusetts, but they can spread tularemia, ehrlichiosis and southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI).  Some people also develop an allergy to red meat after being bitten by a lone star tick

Preventative measures, such as wearing long pants and repellent should be taken and it’s good practice to do a full self-check after being outdoors. If you find a tick, immediately remove it. It’s also very important to prevent ticks on animals.

Ticks are most likely to bite during the spring, summer and fall, but are also a threat during the winter any time temperatures are above freezing. Everyone is strongly encouraged to take precautions against ticks.  Learn more about ticks from MA DPH,  CDC and other public health agencies.   Employees with questions or concerns about tick bites and tick-borne diseases should reach out to their healthcare provider.  Students should contact College Health Services during the academic year or another provider during the summer and other College breaks when the Health Center is closed.