According to the Department of Public Health [DPH], a third human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis [EEE] in Massachusetts has been confirmed by laboratory testing.
The third individual is a man in his 90’s who was exposed in Plymouth County.
DPH announced the second human case on Saturday, August 15. That individual was exposed in Hampden County.
The first case was announced on Monday, August 3. That individual, like the most recent, was exposed in Plymouth County.
There are now four municipalities at critical risk in Massachusetts: Middleborough, Halifax, Wilbraham, Carver.
Nine municipalities are at high risk: Wareham, Plymouth, Kingston, East Bridgewater, Hanson, Rochester, Hampden, Monson and Bridgewater.
The DPH advised the following measures to protect yourself and your loved ones from EEE:
- Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors
- Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient (DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label.
- DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
- Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours
- The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes.
- Mosquito-Proof Your Home Drain Standing Water
- Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water.
- Install or Repair Screens
- Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all of your windows and doors
