Public health officials in Massachusetts have released a new map highlighting areas most at risk for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a rare but often deadly virus transmitted through mosquito bites. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), EEE has a fatality rate of 30%, with death typically occurring 2 to 10 days after the onset of symptoms, though it can happen later.
This year, EEE cases have been reported in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Vermont, and Wisconsin. In Massachusetts, the virus has proven particularly dangerous, with about half of infected individuals dying, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH).
The new risk map, as reported by The Boston Globe, categorizes areas into five levels: remote, low, moderate, high, and critical risk. “Remote” areas are not typically affected by EEE, while “low” risk areas have a minimal chance of occurrence. “Moderate” risk regions have seen EEE activity in mosquitoes within the past year.
“High” risk areas are those where conditions make human infection more likely, and “critical” risk zones have seen human cases of EEE. According to the MDPH, Sutton, Oxford, Douglas, and Webster have been designated as critical risk areas, as per reports TODAY.
Surrounding towns, including Dudley, Northbridge, Uxbridge, Middleborough, Carver, and Plymouth, are classified as high risk, while Southbridge, Charlton, and Auburn are at moderate risk. Despite these concerns, the majority of Massachusetts remains classified as either remote or low-risk.
In response to the rising danger, the four towns under critical risk are currently observing voluntary lockdowns. Oxford, where a resident was recently diagnosed with EEE, has implemented a health advisory encouraging residents to stay indoors after 6 p.m. to avoid exposure to infected mosquitoes. This advisory will be in place through September 30, after which the curfew will shift to 5 p.m. starting October 1 and remain in effect until the first hard frost of the season.
The seriousness of the virus was underscored by the recent death of 41-year-old Steven Scott Perry from New Hampshire, who succumbed to EEE after contracting a sudden and rare brain infection. His family confirmed he had no underlying health conditions. “Steven will forever be in our hearts, remembered for his warmth, spirit, and love he shared with all who knew him,” the family stated in an obituary.
As Massachusetts continues to battle the spread of EEE, officials urge residents in high-risk areas to take precautions, especially during peak mosquito activity in the early evening hours.