Massachusetts
Fourth human case of EEE confirmed in Massachusetts
BOSTON – A fourth human case of the mosquito-borne eastern equine encephalitis has been confirmed in Massachusetts this year.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said a man in his 50s was exposed in an area in Middlesex County at high risk for EEE.
The other confirmed cases are a man in his 70s in Acton in Middlesex County, a man in his 80s in southern Worcester County and a woman in her 30s in Plymouth County.
A 41-year-old man from New Hampshire died from EEE last month.
EEE is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
“This year’s EEE season has been particularly active and is generating a lot of concern in communities across Massachusetts,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein. “While EEE remains a rare disease, the risk level is elevated in multiple communities.”
The DPH says there have been 91 EEE-positive mosquito samples in Massachusetts this year.
Protecting yourself from mosquitoes
The DPH urges people to take precautions against mosquitoes. The hours of dusk to dawn are “peak biting times” for many mosquitoes, and people should consider rescheduling outdoor activities in area of high risk.
Some school districts, including Middleboro and Plymouth, have adjusted their outdoor sports schedules to minimize the risk of exposure.
Wearing long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
It is also encouraged to use an insect repellent with DEET while outdoors. To mosquito-proof your home, standing water should be drained.
Fire broke out at an apartment building in North Attleborough, Massachusetts, on Monday afternoon, sending a column of smoke high into the air.
NBC affiliate WJAR-TV reports the smoke was visible from miles away from the building on Juniper Road.
More details were not immediately available.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Life Care Center of Raynham has received a deficiency‑free inspection result from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, a distinction awarded to a small share of the state’s licensed nursing homes, according to a community announcement.
The inspection was conducted as part of the state’s routine, unannounced nursing home survey process overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. These comprehensive, multi‑day inspections evaluate multiple aspects of facility operations, including staffing levels, quality of care, medication management, cleanliness, food service and resident rights.
State survey records show that Life Care Center of Raynham met required standards during its most recent standard survey, with no deficiencies cited, based on publicly available state data.
The announcement states that fewer than 8% of Massachusetts nursing homes achieve deficiency‑free survey results. That figure could not be independently verified through state or federal data and is attributed to the announcement.
In addition to the state survey outcome, the facility is listed as a five‑star provider for quality measures on the federal Medicare Care Compare website. The five‑star quality measure rating reflects above‑average performance compared with other nursing homes nationwide, according to federal rating methodology.
Officials said the inspection results reflect ongoing compliance with state and federal standards designed to protect resident health and safety. According to the announcement, the outcome is attributed to staff performance and internal quality practices.
This story was created by Dave DeMille, ddemille@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
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