First human case of EEE this year; raises risk levels in several Worcester County communities

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CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed the first human case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in Massachusetts this year.

The individual, a man in his 80s, was exposed to the virus in Worcester County.

In response, health officials have elevated the EEE risk levels to critical in Douglas, Oxford, Sutton, and Webster. Additionally, Dudley, Northbridge, and Uxbridge are now considered high-risk areas.

Neighboring communities, including Auburn, Charlton, Grafton, Leicester, Mendon, Millbury, Millville, Southbridge, and Upton, have been designated as moderate risk.

“This is the first time we have seen a person infected with EEE in Massachusetts since 2020,” stated Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “EEE is a rare but serious disease and a public health concern. We want to remind residents of the need to protect themselves from mosquito bites, especially in areas of the state where we are seeing EEE activity.”

EEE is a serious and potentially fatal disease that affects people of all ages and is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The last human cases of EEE in Massachusetts occurred in 2020, with five reported cases, resulting in one death. In 2019, the state reported 12 cases and six deaths. There were no reported human cases in 2021, 2022, or 2023.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine M. Brown emphasized the importance of taking preventative measures, particularly in high-risk areas. “The risk from EEE is high in parts of Plymouth County and critical in parts of Worcester County,” Dr. Brown said. “In addition to recommending that people use mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered active ingredient and clothing to reduce exposed skin, we also recommend that evening outdoor events be rescheduled to avoid the hours between dusk and dawn. The mosquitoes most likely to spread EEE are most active during the dusk to dawn hours.”

Tips for Avoiding Mosquito Bites

To help protect themselves and others from mosquito-borne illnesses, residents are encouraged to take the following precautions:

• Apply Insect Repellent: Use repellents containing EPA-registered ingredients such as DEET, permethrin, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months old and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years old.
• Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours: Mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities during these times, particularly in high-risk areas.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Wearing long sleeves, long pants, and socks can help reduce mosquito bites.

Mosquito-Proofing Homes and Protecting Animals

Residents can also help reduce mosquito populations by:

• Draining Standing Water: Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water. Eliminate breeding sites by draining or discarding items that collect water, such as rain gutters, flower pots, and wading pools. Change birdbath water frequently.
• Installing or Repairing Screens: Ensure that all windows and doors have tightly fitting screens to keep mosquitoes out of the home.

Animal owners are advised to eliminate mosquito breeding sites on their properties and to keep horses in indoor stalls at night. Consultation with veterinarians regarding approved mosquito repellents and vaccinations against West Nile virus (WNV) and EEE is also recommended.

If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners should report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health at 617-626-1795, and the Department of Public Health at 617-983-6800.

The first EEE-positive mosquitoes in Massachusetts this season were detected on July 3 in Carver. Additional EEE-infected mosquitoes have been found in several communities across Plymouth, Bristol, Barnstable, Norfolk, Middlesex, and Essex counties.

As mosquito activity continues, health officials urge residents to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families from EEE and other mosquito-borne diseases.

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John Budenas

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