The eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus has been detected in Massachusetts for the first time in 2020 according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).
The presence of EEE was laboratory confirmed on Friday, July 3. The positive test came from a mosquito sample collected on Wednesday, July 1 in Orange, which sits in Franklin County.
No human or animal has tested positive for EEE in Massachusetts in 2020 as of July 3.
The positive test results announced on Friday, July 3, promoted officials to raise the risk level of EEE to moderate inn Orange and Athol.
EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. EEE is generally spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. There were 12 human cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2019 with six deaths. There were also nine cases in domestic animals.
The DPH recommends the following steps to reduce the risk of EEE to you and your family.
Avoid Mosquito Bites
- Apply insect repellent when outdoors.
- Avoid outdoor activity between dawn and dusk.
- Wear long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors if possible.
Mosquito-Proof Your Home
- Drain standing water around your home. This is where mosquitoes lay their eggs.
- Install or repair screens that may allow mosquitos in your home.
Protect Your Animals
- Reduce potential mosquito breeding sites by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools.
- Flush water troughs at least once per week.
- Keep horses in indoor stalls at night.
- Speak to your veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE
More information can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information webpage.
