State officials in Massachusetts are sounding the alarm for residents as a heightened risk of the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus emerges across several communities. The threat, carried by infected mosquitoes, has prompted urgent warnings and precautionary measures to protect public health.
On Saturday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued a press release announcing that 10 communities have been elevated to high or critical risk for the EEE virus. Among the most affected areas are parts of Plymouth County, which will undergo aerial mosquito spraying, and sections of Worcester County, where truck-mounted spraying will be conducted.
Robbie Goldstein, the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health, highlighted the significance of this year’s outbreak. “We have not seen an outbreak of EEE for four years in Massachusetts,” Goldstein stated. “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.”
In response to the elevated risk, officials are urging residents to take specific precautions to avoid mosquito bites. These include wearing long pants and long-sleeved clothing while outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity times, and applying insect repellant when outside.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the EEE virus often goes unnoticed in those infected, as most do not develop symptoms. However, for those who do, symptoms can appear between four and 10 days after being bitten. The CDC warns that the infection can range from a mild febrile illness to severe neurologic disease. In the worst cases, the virus can lead to encephalitis, a serious inflammation of the brain. The mortality rate for those who develop encephalitis is alarming, with about one-third of patients succumbing to the illness. Survivors often face long-term health challenges and may require extensive care.
The increased risk of EEE has led town officials in Plymouth, Massachusetts, to close all public parks from dusk to dawn.
The state confirmed its first human case of EEE this year on August 16 in Worcester County. In response, the Board of Health in Oxford, a town of approximately 13,300 residents located 50 miles southwest of Boston, has introduced an outdoor curfew from dusk onward. While this curfew is not a mandate, officials hope it will encourage residents to head indoors before peak mosquito activity, reducing their risk of infection.
The curfew has also impacted local schools, with the district deciding to enforce the recommendation. As a result, after-school programs and sports events may be canceled, shortened, or moved indoors. This decision has sparked concern among parents, students, and athletes, who are grappling with the sudden disruption to their routines.
It has also been reported that New York City is planning on spraying pesticides to prevent any spread of mosquitoes.