On July 5, 2024, Massachusetts health officials urged residents to take precautions against mosquito bites after detecting two viruses in mosquito samples.
The Department of Public Health (DPH) reported that mosquitoes collected on June 30 in Carver tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). Additionally, the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory found West Nile virus (WNV) in samples collected on June 25 in Quincy.
There have been no reported cases of EEE or WNV in humans or animals this year. However, the risk level for EEE has been raised to moderate in Carver, Kingston, Middleborough, Plymouth, Plympton, and Wareham.
“The last EEE outbreak cycle in Massachusetts was in 2019-2020. Today’s finding alerts us to the presence of EEE in Massachusetts this year. Combined with the announcement of West Nile virus in mosquitoes, we are asking everyone to take necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites,” said DPH Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein.
EEE is a rare but serious disease that can be fatal. It caused six deaths in Massachusetts in 2019 and one in 2020. WNV poses a higher risk to people aged 50 and older, causing fever and flu-like symptoms.
To avoid mosquito bites, DPH recommends:
- Applying insect repellent when outdoors
- Rescheduling outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours, from dusk to dawn
- Wearing long sleeves and long pants
State Epidemiologist Catherine Brown noted, “EEE tends to occur in outbreak cycles. When EEE is found in mosquitoes early in the season, the risk may increase throughout the summer.”
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