A rare but deadly disease spread by mosquitoes, eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), has caused concern in Massachusetts. A man in his 80s was recently diagnosed with the disease, the first human case in the state since 2020. As a result, the town of Plymouth has closed its public outdoor recreation facilities at night after a horse in the town was infected with EEE. State health officials have identified a cluster of four towns south of Worcester at “critical risk” for the disease. Residents in these towns are urged to avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito biting times and to use insect repellents. The family of a man who recently contracted EEE is warning others about the seriousness of the disease, which has no vaccines or treatment. Symptoms of EEE include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures, with a 30% fatality rate and potential long-term disabilities for survivors. EEE is primarily found in birds and is rarely transmitted to humans, with only a few cases reported in the U.S. each year. Authorities stress the importance of taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites to prevent the spread of EEE and protect public health.
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Cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Reported in Several Massachusetts Towns
