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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Massachusetts health officials announce that Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has been detected in mosquitos in the state for the first time this season.
The positive result comes from a sample of insects collected back on Aug. 30 in Worcester County. Officials have now increased the risk level of EEE in nearby communities including Douglas, Southbridge, Sturbridge, Uxbridge, and Webster.
EEE in humans is rare but serious and can potentially be deadly. In 2019, there were a dozen human cases of EEE in Massachusetts, six people died. In 2020, there were five human cases of EEE recorded, with just one death.
“After the EEE outbreak cycle that occurred in 2019 and 2020, there was no EEE activity in Massachusetts in 2021 or 2022,” said Public Health Commissioner Robert Goldstein, MD, PhD. “This is a late season emergence for EEE which should keep the risk level from rising too much or too quickly. However, some risk from mosquito-borne disease will continue until the first hard frost and people should take steps to prevent mosquito bites.”
Officials said mosquito and insect repellent is a crucial tool in preventing potential transmission. For those with young children or infants, oil of lemon eucalyptus will do the trick. Know mosquito peak hours, which include the hours between dusk and dawn, and consider rescheduling early morning or evening outdoor activities, particularly in areas with a higher risk of EEE. Wearing long-sleeves, long-pants and socks will also help keep the blood suckers away. It's also important to clear any standing water on your property, as they're active breeding grounds for mosquitos.
“Transmission of EEE to a person late in the season can happen,” said Dr. Catherine M. Brown, State Epidemiologist. “Mosquitoes will be more active during warm and humid weather as we are forecast to have this weekend. I encourage everyone to use mosquito repellent when they are outdoors enjoying the last unofficial weekend of summer; you can also use clothing to cover exposed skin and if you notice that you are getting bitten, you should consider moving indoors.”
So far this year, no human or animal cases have been recorded.
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