A highly lethal virus has surfaced in Massachusetts, sparking urgent public health warnings and precautionary measures.
At a Glance
- A rare but deadly mosquito-borne disease, eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), has led to the closure of parks and fields in Plymouth, Massachusetts, each evening.
- Four other towns in Massachusetts are urging residents to avoid outdoor activities at night due to “critical risk.”
- The first human case in Massachusetts since 2020 was reported in a man in his 80s.
- Residents are advised to use mosquito repellents and drain standing water around their homes.
Highly Lethal Virus Outbreak in Massachusetts
A rare and highly lethal virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), has surfaced in multiple towns across Massachusetts, leading to the closure of parks and fields each evening in Plymouth. This virus, for which no cure currently exists, has heightened concerns among both locals and healthcare professionals. Four other towns, including Douglas, Oxford, Sutton, and Webster, are urging residents to avoid outdoor activities at night due to the “critical risk” posed by this mosquito-borne disease.
The first human case in Massachusetts since 2020 was reported in a man in his 80s who remains hospitalized, battling the virus. In addition, a horse in Plymouth was confirmed to be infected with EEE. State health officials recommend avoiding outdoor activities after 6 p.m. until September 30, and after 5 p.m. beyond that date, until the region experiences the first hard frost. Safety measures include using mosquito repellent and ensuring any standing water around homes is drained.
A rare but deadly mosquito virus infection has Massachusetts towns urging vigilance https://t.co/qbk0a4c37N pic.twitter.com/aK2Rpoi4of
— Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) August 25, 2024
Community Engagement Crucial
The family of the infected man from Oxford is raising awareness about the severity of EEE. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), EEE has a mortality rate of around 30%. Symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. Survivors often face permanent disabilities, with few making a full recovery. EEE was confirmed last month in several mosquito samples and has spread across multiple areas within the state.
Health officials stress the importance of community engagement in managing and containing the outbreak. Massachusetts State Department of Public Health (DPH) announced aerial and truck-mounted spraying of pesticides to curb the mosquito population. The first EEE-positive mosquitoes of the season were identified on July 3 in Carver. Truck-mounted spraying will occur in Plymouth County and parts of Worcester County, with 10 communities elevated to high or critical risk for EEE.
Preventive Measures and State Response
Preventive measures are highly encouraged by state health officials and include draining standing water, wearing long sleeves and pants, using screens, and applying EPA-registered bug repellents. There are no vaccines or specific treatments available for EEE, making prevention all the more critical. During the previous EEE outbreaks in 2019-2020, Massachusetts recorded 17 human cases with seven deaths. The pesticide Anvil 10+10, approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), will be used for the spraying efforts.
Residents can stay updated by following local health guidelines and being vigilant about their surroundings. “We have not seen an outbreak of EEE for four years in Massachusetts,” said DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein. “This year’s outbreak and activity raise the risk for communities in parts of the state. We need to use all our available tools to reduce risk and protect our communities. We are asking everyone to do their part.”
