WORCESTER, Mass. (WPRI) — The risk level for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has been raised in several Massachusetts communities after the Department of Public Health (DPH) announced the state’s first human case since 2020.
The man in his 80s was infected in Worcester County, according to health officials.
EEE is a rare, but potentially deadly disease that can affect people of all ages. Like West Nile Virus , it’s transmitted through mosquito bites.
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EEE-infected mosquitoes have been detected this summer in several cities and towns in Massachusetts, including Taunton, Westport, Wareham and Middleborough.
The DPH said the EEE risk level has been raised to critical in Douglas, Oxford, Sutton and Webster, while Dudley, Northbridge and Uxbridge have been deemed high risk and Auburn, Charlton, Grafton, Leicester, Mendon, Millbury, Millville, Southbridge and Upton are at moderate risk.
“We want to remind residents of the need to protect themselves from mosquito bites, especially in areas of the state where we are seeing EEE activity,” Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein said.