Health officials have confirmed a fourth case of the dangerous mosquito-borne illness, Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced the case on Monday, identifying the patient as a man in his 50s from Middlesex County, an area currently at high risk for EEE.
The Spread of EEE in 2024
This year, cases of EEE have been reported in at least five states, including Vermont, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. EEE is a rare but serious disease transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus can cause severe neurological damage and has a high fatality rate, making it a significant public health concern.
“This year’s EEE season has been particularly active and is generating a lot of concern in communities across Massachusetts,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD., in a statement. “While EEE remains a rare disease, the risk level is elevated in multiple communities.”
Precautions Amid Elevated Risk
With warm, sunny weather expected to continue throughout the week, Commissioner Goldstein emphasized the importance of taking precautions, especially in areas where the risk of EEE is high. “We recommend that people take necessary precautions in areas of elevated risk,” Goldstein advised. “This includes recommending that residents and towns in areas at high risk for EEE reschedule their evening outdoor events to avoid peak mosquito biting hours from dusk to dawn.”
Health officials are urging the public to use insect repellent, wear long sleep with a high risk of EEEves and pants when outdoors, and avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours. These simple measures can significantly reduce the risk of mosquito bites and, consequently, the transmission of EEE.
EEE in Massachusetts: A History of Outbreaks
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported that there have been 91 EEE-positive mosquito samples in the state this year. The last major EEE outbreak in Massachusetts occurred between 2019 and 2020, during which there were 17 human cases, resulting in seven deaths. In addition to the four human cases confirmed this year, EEE has also been detected in two horses in the state.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States typically sees between three and 15 cases of EEE each year, with an average of around seven cases. Last year, seven cases were reported nationwide. While the disease remains relatively rare, the high fatality rate and severe neurological effects in those who contract EEE make it a serious health threat.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely and are working to reduce the risk of further transmission. Residents in high-risk areas are encouraged to stay informed and follow public health guidelines to protect themselves and their families from this dangerous virus
