Mass. to begin aerial spraying for mosquitoes

BOSTON (AP) -- State health officials plan to begin aerial spraying for mosquitoes in nearly a dozen southeastern Massachusetts communities.

The decision comes after a number of mosquito samples collected in the region in recent days tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis, a potentially deadly disease for humans.

The state Department of Public Health says aerial spraying will begin "as soon as possible" in the following communities: Bridgewater, Carver, Easton, Halifax, Lakeville, Middleborough, Norton, Plympton, Raynham, Taunton, and West Bridgewater.

An exact timetable was not given.

Officials say people should continue to take as many precautions as possible against mosquito bites.

There have been no human cases of EEE or West Nile virus in Massachusetts so far this year. There were two cases of EEE last summer, and one was fatal.