A rare but deadly mosquito-borne disease, eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), has prompted significant precautions in Massachusetts. The town of Plymouth, located about 40 miles southeast of Boston, has decided to close its public parks and recreation fields from dusk until dawn each day after a local horse tested positive for the virus.
Meanwhile, four nearby towns—Douglas, Oxford, Sutton, and Webster—are advising residents to avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity times. This advisory follows the recent diagnosis of EEE in a man from Oxford, the first human case in the state since 2020.
State health officials have stressed the seriousness of EEE, which was confirmed in a mosquito sample last month and has been found in other mosquitoes across Massachusetts. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that while rare, EEE has a mortality rate of about 30% and can cause severe, long-term health issues in survivors. There are no vaccines or specific treatments for EEE, making prevention crucial.
Residents are advised to use mosquito repellents and eliminate standing water around their homes to reduce the risk of infection.
Peoplesmind
