EEE Virus: Massachusetts Faces Threat From Rare Mosquito-Borne Disease! - All You Need To Know

Massachusetts suffers from the threat of a mosquito-borne disease called Eastern Equine Encephalitis, read to know more

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EEE Virus: Massachusetts Faces Threat From Rare Mosquito-Borne Disease! - All You Need To Know
A resurgence of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a severe mosquito-borne illness, has put several communities in Massachusetts on high alert. This marks the first outbreak of EEE in the state in four years, prompting state officials to take immediate action. Earlier this week, aerial spraying commenced in parts of Worcester and Plymouth to combat the spread of this dangerous virus. As of now, one man in his 80s from Worcester has been diagnosed with EEE and is currently undergoing treatment. Tragically, a 41-year-old man from New Hampshire has lost his life after contracting the virus.

In an interview with GBH’s "All Things Considered," Massachusetts State Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Robbie Goldstein discussed the nature of the virus and provided guidance on how residents can protect themselves. The EEE virus enters the body through mosquito bites and targets the central nervous system, leading to inflammation of the brain and surrounding areas, known as meningoencephalitis. Individuals infected may experience severe symptoms such as high fever, intense headaches, altered mental status, fatigue, and in extreme cases, coma. Alarmingly, approximately 50% of those who contract the disease may suffer from severe complications, with many left with permanent neurological disabilities.


Dr. Goldstein emphasized that while EEE is rare and not every mosquito carries the virus, its seriousness warrants heightened caution. The cyclical nature of EEE outbreaks means that after periods of intense activity—like the previous outbreak from 2019 to 2020, which resulted in 17 human cases and seven fatalities—there can be several years of relative quiet. However, given the four-year hiatus since the last human cases in Massachusetts, health officials anticipated a potential uptick this year.

As communities brace for what could be a challenging season, public health officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and take preventive measures against mosquito bites to mitigate the risks associated with this deadly disease.

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