A deadly viral outbreak, EEE, is rampant among Massachusetts mosquitos.
EEE was first detected in Massachusetts in 1938, and outbreaks generally occur once every 10-20 years. However, the previous outbreak in Massachusetts occurred only in 2019. New EEE infections led state officials to caution residents, as the deadly virus is primarily found in Massachusetts mosquitos. Here’s what you need to know about preventing EEE, the dangers of the virus, and scheduled state-mandated pesticide sprays occurring in your area.
What is EEE?
EEE, short for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, is a rare but potentially lethal disease caused by a virus. The EEE virus is maintained through a natural cycle between Culiseta melanura mosquitoes and birds.
How does EEE spread to humans?
The EEE virus spreads to humans if bitten by an infected mosquito. Not all mosquitos carry EEE, but it has been detected in Massachusetts mosquitoes this summer. The virus can only be spread from a mosquito to a human. Humans and other mammals such as horses, cannot spread EEE to one another.
What are the symptoms of EEE?
The initial symptom of EEE is a fever, generally surpassing 100ºF. EEE is known for delayed symptoms, often revealing themselves 3 or 10 days after an infected mosquito bite. Developing symptoms include:
- Headache
- Stiff Neck
- Lethargy
- Encephalitis (brain swelling)
Encephalitis is the most serious and potentially deadly symptom of EEE. Patients can go into a coma from encephalitis, endure permanent brain damage, or die from the swelling.
What happens if someone gets EEE?
There is no cure for EEE, but immediate care is required to minimize symptom progression if the virus if detected. According to the CDC, nearly 30% of patients infected with EEE do not survive. Those who do survive often suffer long-term neurological damage. It is rare for people to recover completely from a EEE infection. Cleveland Clinic notes, if symptoms are detected, seek immediate care from a healthcare provider.
How to prevent EEE
The key to protecting yourself from EEE is prevention of mosquito bites. There is no vaccine to prevent EEE and no cure. While not all mosquitos carry EEE, there is no way to detect which ones do, so preventing mosquito bites is essential:
- Use an insect repellent when outside
- Consider insect repellant candles
- Remove any standing water near your home as this attracts mosquitos
- Avoid outdoor activity at dusk and dawn when mosquitos are most active
- Use screens on doors and windows
- Wear clothing that covers your entire body
Is EEE everywhere in Massachusetts?
The current EEE outbreak in Massachusetts has been detected in several towns that are now labeled “high-risk” communities due to the population of EEE carrying mosquitos. Of course, travel patterns are random, so the entire state is recommended to stay vigilant and follow the protective measures listed above.
High-risk EEE communities in Massachusetts:
- Plymouth
- Carver
- Middleborough
- Dudley
- Uxbridge
- Northbridge
Critical-risk EEE communities in Massachusetts:
- Webster
- Oxford
- Douglas
- Sutton
Where is EEE primarily found?
Any mosquito can carry EEE. However, mosquitos with the virus have been primarily detected in hardwood swamps and freshwater areas. The map below showcases the EEE risk level by Massachusetts towns:
This map was last updated on August 23, 2024, find the most recent Massachusetts EEE map, online. The peak mosquito activity season typically lasts from summer through late October.
EEE spray zones Massachusetts
To mitigate the spread of the EEE virus, the state will spray a controlling pesticide, Anvil 10+10. The pesticide is marked as “highly effective” at removing dangerous mosquito populations. Avoid the outdoors during spray times, as these pesticides are not ideal for human exposure, although they are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency. These state guidelines share how to protect yourself, pets, and crops from pesticide sprays.
Pesticide spraying to prevent EEE in Massachusetts is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. According to the Department of Public Health, aerial spraying will occur in Plymouth County in all of Carver and parts of Halifax, Kingston, Middleborough, Plymouth, Plympton, Rochester, and Wareham.
Truck-based ground spraying in Worcester County will also begin on August 27 in Douglas, Dudley, Oxford, Sutton, and Uxbridge. Check this map for updates of when and where spraying will occur.
EEE cases in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced the season’s first case of human case of EEE on August 16, 2024. It was detected in an 80-year-old male from Worcester County. The last EEE outbreak in Massachusetts occurred in 2019-2020 with 17 cases and seven deaths.
Is EEE in any other New England states?
As of August 2024, triple EEE has been detected in mosquito samples in all New England states, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Connecticut. However, the only states with confirmed human cases are Massachusetts and Vermont. As noted, the disease spreads from mosquitos to humans, but not humans to human or humans to animals. Vermont saw its first human case since 2012 on August 9, 2024.