A third human case of the mouse-borne Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus this season has been confirmed in Massachusetts, the state Department of Public Health said Wednesday.
A man in the 90s was exposed to the rare virus in Plymouth County, according to DPH.
“As a result, the EEE risk level in Halifax has risen to critical levels, and the EEE risk level in East Bridgewater and Hanson has risen to high,” the department said in a statement.
All three cities are in Plymouth County.
A potentially fatal infection, EEE triggers brain swelling, fever, and coma, and kills about one-third of the people who contract it. Those who survive are often left with severe neurological disabilities and complications. The disease has no cure.
State officials predicted an active season for EEE in Massachusetts after the start of what could be a three-year-long outbreak last year, when 12 human cases were reported and six people died.
The most recent confirmation of the case comes after a second human case – involving a woman in her 60s who was exposed in Hampden County – was revealed on August 15th. Earlier this month, DPH confirmed the first case of the season: a boy under the age of 18 in Plymouth County who began showing symptoms on July 20.
As of Wednesday, four municipalities were at critical risk for EEE, nine were at high risk, and 18 were at moderate risk, according to officials.
“All residents are reminded to use mosquito repellents whenever they are outside, and those in high and critical risk communities are advised to plan their outdoor activities to prevent twilight until evening hours to reduce exposure to the mosquitoes.” t spread most EEE, ”DPH said.
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