On Monday, health officials confirmed the fourth case of the dangerous mosquito-borne illness, Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), in Massachusetts.
The latest case involves a man in his 50s from Middlesex County, an area currently at high risk for EEE, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).
In 2024, EEE has been reported in at least five states: Vermont, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New Jersey. The virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
“This year’s EEE season has been notably active, raising significant concern in communities across Massachusetts,” stated Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. “While EEE remains rare, the risk is elevated in several areas.”
Goldstein advised residents to take precautions, particularly with the forecast predicting warm, sunny weather throughout the week. He suggested rescheduling outdoor events in high-risk areas to avoid peak mosquito activity from dusk to dawn.
The DPH reported 91 EEE-positive mosquito samples in Massachusetts this year. The state’s last major outbreak occurred during 2019-2020, which resulted in 17 human cases and seven deaths. In addition to the four human cases this year, EEE has also been detected in two horses in Massachusetts.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. typically reports between three and 15 cases of EEE annually, with an average of around seven cases. Last year saw seven cases.