With October just a few days away, EEE stays a menace within the Bay State.
That’s the message from well being officers after one other horse in Massachusetts examined optimistic for Japanese Equine Encephalitis.
4 individuals within the state have been contaminated with the uncommon however severe and probably deadly illness throughout this busy yr of mosquito-borne sicknesses. A person in New Hampshire died from EEE.
The Massachusetts Division of Public Health on Thursday introduced a 3rd confirmed case of EEE in a horse this yr. The horse was uncovered to EEE in Carver, an space in Plymouth County that’s already at excessive threat 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,” stated 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 yr.
Contaminated mosquitoes have been present in Barnstable, Bristol, Essex, Norfolk, Middlesex, Plymouth, and Worcester counties.
EEE is transmitted to people by means of the chunk of an contaminated mosquito. The final outbreak of EEE in Massachusetts occurred in 2019-2020, and resulted in 17 human circumstances with seven deaths, and 9 animal circumstances.
There have been no human or animal circumstances 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,” stated 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 induce individuals to make use of bug spray, and to put on lengthy sleeves, lengthy pants and socks when outdoor.
