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EEE is still a threat in Massachusetts, horse tests positive: ‘People shouldn’t let their guard down’

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EEE is still a threat in Massachusetts, horse tests positive: ‘People shouldn’t let their guard down’


Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

With October only a few days away, EEE remains a threat in the Bay State.

That’s the message from health officials after another horse in Massachusetts tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

Four people in the state have been infected with the rare but serious and potentially fatal disease during this busy year of mosquito-borne illnesses. A man in New Hampshire died from EEE.

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The Massachusetts Department of Public Health on Thursday announced a third confirmed case of EEE in a horse this year. The horse was exposed to EEE in Carver, an area in Plymouth County that’s already at high risk for EEE.

“This latest animal case of EEE confirms that even this late in the season, the risk for spread of EEE virus from infected mosquitoes is still present,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein.

“With more people going outside to enjoy the mild fall weather, we continue to recommend that residents take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites until the first hard frost,” Goldstein added.

There have been 96 EEE-positive mosquito samples in Massachusetts this year.

Infected mosquitoes have been found in Barnstable, Bristol, Essex, Norfolk, Middlesex, Plymouth, and Worcester counties.

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EEE is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The last outbreak of EEE in Massachusetts occurred in 2019–2020, and resulted in 17 human cases with seven deaths, and nine animal cases.

There were no human or animal cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2021, 2022, or 2023.

“Cooler temperatures will start to reduce mosquito activity, but people shouldn’t let their guard down yet,” said State Epidemiologist Catherine Brown. “We continue to strongly advise that everyone in areas at high and critical risk for EEE reschedule evening outdoor activities to avoid peak mosquito biting hours.”

DPH continues to urge people to use bug spray, and to wear long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors.

2024 MediaNews Group, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Former Emmanuel College Admissions Director Sentenced In Sex Trafficking Case

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Former Emmanuel College Admissions Director Sentenced In Sex Trafficking Case


Federal prosecutors said Henriques victimized numerous girls and young women online between the ages of 12 and 18. According to court records, Henriques met or spoke with at least eight admitted or prospective students before later contacting them using information obtained through the college’s admissions system.

The case centered on a 17-year-old prospective student whom Henriques met during a campus tour. Prosecutors said Henriques reviewed the student’s tour registration form, which included her date of birth, and learned she was still in high school. Within hours of the tour, Henriques began texting the student using the phone number she had provided on her admissions form.





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Joyous occasion: Boston celebrates new beginnings, local pride

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Joyous occasion: Boston celebrates new beginnings, local pride


Half of the city turned out this weekend to celebrate what’s great about Boston — its people.

On sunny or snowy days, Bostonians will help you out. The Tartan Army from Scotland and Norwegian soccer fans witnessed that last week.

This time, the surprise was all local.

“I’m the luckiest guy in the world,” said George Regan, as he gazed at nearly 300 people who showed up for the christening of his son, George Kenneth Regan IV.

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“Teach number four to be a really wonderful person and he’ll teach it to number five,” said former Gov. Charlie Baker, who said that’s the secret to life. Baker himself is the fourth Charlie, with a son the fifth. We all stand on those who came before us, the former governor added.

Work will come around soon enough, but Saturday was a celebration that started at St. Gregory Parish in Dorchester and finished with a reception at Davio’s in the Seaport.

Regan, founder and CEO of the Regan Communications Group, welcomed everyone alongside his wife, Elizabeth, and their new baby boy.

Former Mayor Ray Flynn said it best: Reagan has “stood up for people who needed you.”

There’s not enough ink in this paper to chronicle how connections keep Boston thriving. That’s the space where Regan’s PR firm operates. There are plenty of other similar agencies; it’s just that George Regan has been at the helm of his group since he left former Mayor Kevin White’s office.

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Maybe that’s what makes dealing with him so rewarding. Kevin White loved Boston, and that rubbed off on everyone who worked for him.

Former police commissioners Bill Bratton and William “Willie” Gross both spoke as did UMass President Marty Meehan, Denella J. Clark, president and CEO of Boston Arts Academy Foundation, Steve DiFillippo, Davio’s owner, and more.

Former Herald editor Ken Chandler, newly reelected Teamsters President Sean O’Brien, and car magnate Herb Chambers were some of the notables in the crowd.

“Elizabeth and I are honored to welcome our miracle child into the faith alongside the remarkable circle of friends, mentors, and partners who have stood with us through every chapter,” said Regan, who was just recently sick.

But, like Boston, you can’t keep a good man down.

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Howie Carr: Meet another Massachusetts ‘resident’ lugged by the feds

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Howie Carr: Meet another Massachusetts ‘resident’ lugged by the feds


When Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey is informed of the latest scandal, indictment, or attempted billion-dollar bid-rigging etc., she inevitably claims to be as astonished as everyone else.


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