EEE Risk Rises To ‘High’ In 6 Massachusetts Communities: DPH

WORCESTER, MA — State officials have raised the human Eastern equine encephalitis risk levels in 11 southern Worcester County communities after finding new mosquito samples positive for the potentially deadly virus.

The EEE risk is now “high” in Douglas, Dudley, Oxford, Southbridge, Sutton, and Webster, and “moderate” in Auburn, Charlton, Grafton, Millbury, and Northbridge.

“We want people to take this information seriously and follow advice to prevent mosquito bites. In this case, evidence suggests that staying indoors between the hours of dusk and dawn can decrease the risk from EEE. Risk is high enough in several towns that we recommend rescheduling outdoor events,” Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robert Goldstein said in a news release Wednesday.

The state confirmed the first positive EEE samples last week after testing mosquitoes captured in Douglas and Southbridge. The state initially moved the EEE risk to “moderate” in Douglas, Dudley, Southbridge, Sturbridge, Uxbridge, and Webster.

EEE has also been confirmed in a donkey in Rhode Island and in mosquito samples from Connecticut near the Massachusetts border.

EEE hit a recent peak in 2019 when 12 humans contracted the virus resulting in six deaths. Five people contracted EEE in 2020 and one died. Those outbreaks, however, began much earlier in summer, leaving more chances for mosquitoes to spread EEE in warm weather.

Health officials are advising residents in the affected communities and across the state to guard against mosquito bites by being wary of when the insects are most active during dawn and dusk. Mosquitoes also cluster in shady areas and are more active in humid weather.

Residents can also protect themselves by using bug spray containing DEET and treating clothes with permethrin. Taking steps like wearing long sleeves and pants, making sure window screens are sealed and emptying standing water can also help reduce mosquito exposure, officials say.

The risk of mosquito-borne illnesses typically ends after the first hard frost of the season.