Massachusetts records this second human case of EEE

A second human case of the rare, mosquito-borne Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus has been recorded in Massachusetts this season, public health officials said.

Laboratory tests confirmed that a woman in her 60s contracted the virus after being exposed in Hampden County, the Department of Public Health said in a statement.

The positive diagnosis prompted the department to raise the EEE risk level in Wilbraham to critical and in Hampden and Monson to high, officials said. Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Ludlow, Palmer and Springfield now all have a moderate risk for the virus.

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.

Last week, officials confirmed the first human case of EEE this year after a boy under the age of 18 in Plymouth County first began seeing symptoms on July 20th.

State leaders have repeatedly urged the public to take precautionary measures to minimize the risk of mosquito bites as Massachusetts weighs what is expected in a busy year for the virus.

In 2019, Bay State saw its most active EEE season since the 1950s, signaling the beginning of an outbreak that could potentially last through the following year. Twelve human cases were reported, and six people died last year from EEE.

As of Saturday, three municipalities were considered at critical risk for the virus, while eight others and 20 more were at high and moderate risk, respectively, officials said.

“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, “the DPH said in a statement.

So far this year, the Department of Public Health has found EEE in 65 mosquito samples, with more than 70 percent of them in species that can infect humans.