National Night Out in New Bedford Postponed Due to EEE Threat

NEW BEDFORD — Due to the elevated threat of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) exposure throughout southeastern Massachusetts, the National Night Out event in New Bedford has been postponed.

Organizer from Neighborhoods United Jerry Pinto says the group has been consulting with City Health officials this week, and reached a decision to reschedule the annual event. The City of New Bedford confirmed the postponement with WBSM News Monday morning.

National Night Out in New Bedford has been rescheduled to August 20 as Ashley Park from 1:00 p.m. through 4: 00 p.m.

On Friday, the Department of Public Health elevated the risk of EEE to "High Risk" in Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, Fairhaven, Acushnet, and Taunton.

Initially, 92 infected mosquitos were found in New Bedford, Freetown, Lakeville, Middleboro, Raynham, Carver, and Easton. One-third of those mosquitos are the type that is capable of spreading the virus to humans.

Areas such as Dartmouth and Dighton-Rehobeth are ranked as having a "Moderate" risk for EEE.

Positive samples of EEE carrying mosquitos have also been found in Fall River this week and in Rochester last week; however, there were not enough infected insects to move the risk level.