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Another Horse Infected with EEE Virus Found in Worcester County

By Patrick Sargent | October 3, 2019
Last Updated: February 2, 2021

On Wednesday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health [DPH] announced that laboratory testing has confirmed the eight horse infected with Eastern Equine Encephalitis [EEE] virus this year. 

The horse was stabled in Spencer — a town already considered at high risk for EEE.

No change in risk levels is indicated. There are 35 communities in the state now at critical risk, 53 at high risk, and 121 at moderate risk for the EEE virus.

A map of the state’s current EEE risk levels can be found here.

“We continue to emphasize the need for people to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown. “Although mosquito populations are beginning to decline, risk from EEE will continue until the first hard frost.”

Along with the eight horses, there have been 12 human cases of EEE this season in Massachusetts. There has also has been one confirmed case of EEE this year in a goat. 

State health officials continue to remind residents throughout the Commonwealth to take personal precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

Residents can learn more about EEE and ways to protect themselves on DPH’s website.

 

 
Lead photo on Visualhunt.com


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