Massachusetts Communities on High Alert as Rare Mosquito Borne Virus Emerges

A rare and potentially deadly mosquito-borne disease has placed nearly a dozen communities in Massachusetts on high alert, leading to the closure of parks after dark and the rescheduling of public events. Health officials confirmed the first human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in the state this year, a man in his 80s who was exposed to the virus in Worcester County, west of Boston. The announcement has prompted ten communities to be classified as high or critical risk for the virus.

In response, towns like Plymouth, located about 40 miles south of Boston, have taken precautionary measures by closing all public parks and fields from dusk until dawn when mosquito activity is at its peak. Nearby, the town of Oxford has banned all outdoor activities on town property after 6 p.m.

To further mitigate the risk, mosquito spraying will be conducted between dusk and dawn throughout the week in Plymouth and Worcester counties, according to state health officials.

Residents are advised to take protective measures, including using mosquito repellent, eliminating standing water around their homes, wearing long sleeves and pants, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours.

“We haven’t experienced an EEE outbreak in Massachusetts for four years,” said Robbie Goldstein, the state’s public health commissioner. “It’s crucial that we use every tool at our disposal to reduce the risk and protect our communities. We’re urging everyone to take this seriously and do their part.”

Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a rare but serious illness transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 30 percent of those infected die, and many survivors suffer from long-term neurological complications.

The outbreak in Massachusetts is occurring as mosquito season has been prolonged across the United States, partly due to climate change. Rising temperatures have increased the number of “mosquito days”—days with average humidity of at least 42 percent and temperatures between 50 and 95 degrees—across more than two-thirds of the country.

In 2019, Massachusetts recorded 12 human cases of EEE, resulting in six deaths. The following year saw five cases and one death, according to state health data.

Symptoms of EEE infection can include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral changes, and drowsiness. There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for the virus.