Epi Week #32 - 2014 General Statements

Totals for both EEE- and WNV-positive mosquito pools continue to remain far below 2013 and 2012 levels, with only 11 WNV-positive pools and 7 EEE-positive pools so far in 2014. For an indication of how low arbovirus levels have been compared to recent years, note that at this time last year, we had 80 WNV-positive pools, and in 2012 (when aerial sprays were ordered) there were 99 WNV-positive pools and 108 EEE-positive pools.

Districts with arbovirus-positive mosquitoes have continued to implement standard control responses, including larviciding of catch basins and ULV truck spraying.

Weather

Unlike previous weeks, there was a significant lull in thunderstorm activity across the state for Epi Week 32. The week was notably dry for most of the state except for Cape Cod and lower Plymouth County. Temperatures were slightly cooler than normal for early August.

Epi Week 33 is expected to have slightly below normal temperatures, with low to moderate humidity. Precipitation levels for the week are likely to be at or above the average total for the entire month of August courtesy of heavy soaking rains anticipated for Wednesday, August 13th.