Deadly mosquito virus found in second Massachusetts resident says public health officials

A second Massachusetts resident has been diagnosed with the potentially fatal Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus, state health officials said last week.

A man aged 19 to 30 has been confirmed to have EEE, a mosquito-borne disease, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced. The man has not been identified. Laboratory tests confirmed his diagnosis.

The case of a resident of eastern Worcester County marks the second case of infected humans in the state this year; the first was confirmed last week in a man in southern Plymouth County over 60 years old.

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As a result of the second case, ten neighboring communities are now considered to pose a "critical" risk to IAS, health officials said. These include Hopkinton in Middlesex County, Grafton, Northbridge, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Upton, Westborough in Worcester County, Easton, Norton and Raynham.

"In addition, Framingham and Marlborough in Middlesex County and Millbury, Northborough and Sutton in Worcester County are considered high risk," health officials said.

In Massachusetts, DPH and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) "conducted aerial spraying in specific areas of Bristol and Plymouth counties to reduce the mosquito population and public health risks" said health officials. "Aerial spraying started on August 8th and ended on the night of August 11th. A second cycle is scheduled for later next week. "

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), EEE is a rare disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The "EEEV" is part of a group of viruses transmitted by mosquitoes that can cause brain inflammation (encephalitis), "said the federal health agency.

"Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, and no effective antiviral drug has been discovered.Serious diseases are treated with adjunctive therapy, which may include hospitalization, respiratory assistance, solutions intravenous and the prevention of other infections. "

– CDC

The EEA is more common in the Atlantic and Gulf States, although the CDC has reported that some cases have been reported in the Great Lakes region. It is rare; only 5 to 10 cases are reported each year in the United States.

EEE symptoms usually appear four to 10 days after a person has been bitten by an infected mosquito. Serious cases of the virus "begin with the sudden onset of headaches, high fever, chills and vomiting," according to the CDC, which notes that "the disease can then evolve into disorientation, convulsions, and seizures. the coma".

One-third of those infected with EVSE die, while survivors typically suffer from "mild to severe brain damage".

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There is also no specific treatment for the infection.

"Antibiotics are not effective against viruses and no effective antiviral drug has been discovered. Serious illnesses are treated by supportive therapy, which can include hospitalization, respiratory assistance, intravenous fluids and the prevention of other infections, "says the CDC.

The best way to prevent episodes of VEEE and other mosquito-borne diseases is to drain stagnant water – such as in bird baths, buckets or pool covers – as l & rsquo; Stagnant water can serve as fertile ground for these insects. Other preventative measures include wearing long pants and long sleeved shirts on the outside and the proper use of an insect repellent containing DEET.