4th human case of EEE detected in Mass., health officials say

A fourth human case of Eastern equine encephalitis has been detected in Massachusetts this season, state health officials announced Monday. 

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said in a statement that the newest case is in a man in his 50s, who was exposed to the mosquito-borne illness in an area of Middlesex County that is designated as at high risk for EEE.

So far this season there have been 91 EEE-positive mosquito samples in Massachusetts, with the bulk of the activity in Plymouth And Worcester counties, though infected mosquitoes have also been found in Bristol, Essex, and Middlesex counties. In addition to the four human cases, two horses have been diagnosed with EEE in the state this season, according to officials.

The last outbreak of EEE in the state, in 2019-2020, saw 17 human cases and seven deaths.

“This year’s EEE season has been particularly active and is generating a lot of concern in communities across Massachusetts,” Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said in a statement. “While EEE remains a rare disease, the risk level is elevated in multiple communities. With the weather forecast showing warm, sunny weather for the rest of the week, we recommend that people take necessary precautions in areas of elevated risk.”

Eastern equine encephalitis isn’t the only reason to take precautions against mosuitos. Officials are also urging residents to protect against another mosquito-borne illness, West Nile virus. As of Monday, there have been seven human cases of West Nile virus this season. 

“People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes,” state health officials said.

The state is urging the public to steps, including the following, as the season continues: 

• Mosquito-proof your home by draining standing water (such as in birdbaths or unused flowerpots) where mosquitoes could lay their eggs and install screens to keep the bugs out of the house. 

• Minimize mosquito bites by using insect repellent, avoiding peak mosquito hours (dusk to dawn), and wearing clothes like long pants that can help keep the insects away from your skin. 

• Protect your animals by eliminating standing water around your property. You can also contact your veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals or available vaccines to protect against the illnesses they can carry.

Residents can also check the state’s map that tracks the risk for mosquito-borne illnesses in Massachusetts.