Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a rare and potentially deadly mosquito-borne virus, has caused nearly a dozen Massachusetts cities to close public parks at night and restrict outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active.
The virus, spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, poses a serious public health threat, and there is no vaccine or treatment available.
Ten communities in Massachusetts are highly rated or serious threat for EEE, also known as “triple E,” after mosquitoes in the area tested positive for the virus.
The US state reported its first human case of EEE since 2020, with an elderly man diagnosed on August 16. The virus has also been detected in a horse in Plymouth, further raising the risk level in that city.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health warns that 33% to 70% of people infected with EEE die, with most deaths occurring within two to 10 days of symptoms appearing.
These symptoms can include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and behavioral changes.
In view of the growing threat, authorities have begun aerial spraying of the insecticide Anvil 10+10, an EPA-registered product for mosquito control.
Residents are also being urged to avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours in the evening, particularly in areas where EEE activity has been reported.
“EEE is a rare but serious illness and a public health concern,” said Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein. “We want to remind residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites, especially in high-risk areas.”
This is not the first outbreak of EEE in Massachusetts; the state had 17 cases and seven deaths from the virus in 2019 and 2020.
Although EEE is a rare disease, with only 11 cases reported each year in the United States, it is still extremely dangerous, and many survivors suffer long-term neurological problems.
In addition to EEE, eight Massachusetts municipalities are also at high risk for West Nile virus, another mosquito-borne disease.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, was recently infected with the West Nile virus and is now recovering at home after spending six days in the hospital.
State health officials are urging the public to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites to reduce the risk of infection.
(With inputs from BBC and US CDC)