[ad_1]
Health
State health officials yesterday announced the confirmation of four confirmed cases of mosquito-borne disease in horses from Holliston, Medfield, Brookfield and Granby.
Map via the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Infectious Diseases and Laboratory Sciences and the Epidemiology Program.
If you're traveling across the state this weekend for Labor Day celebrations, be sure to pack the bug spray and plan a lot of activities indoors. We know there is no way to enjoy the last weekend of the summer, but the risk of developing Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a disease transmitted by mosquitoes, has increased in many communities of Massachusetts.
Yesterday, public health officials confirmed four cases of EEE in horses from Holliston, Medfield, Brookfield and Granby, increasing the risk "high" to "critical" for these communities. The disease is a rare but deadly disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes to other animals and to humans. It hits horses stronger than humans, attacking the central nervous system of the host.
Four confirmed cases of EEE in humans have been reported in the Commonwealth and resulted in the death of a Fairhaven woman. It is most often found near freshwater marshes and people at risk are those under the age of 15, although all confirmed cases involve people over 50 years of age.
the World reports that, as of Thursday, 191 communities in Massachusetts are designated at "moderate" risk, of which 13 are at "high" risk and 28 are at "critical" risk. According to the Department of Public Health, a "critical" risk designation advises these communities to cancel outdoor activities and sports events in order to avoid peak mosquito peaks.
Check the status of your city with this map from the Ministry of Public Health.
State officials told the World that Massachusetts is now entering a new and intense cycle of EEE activity that is expected to last another two or three years.
To protect yourself, wear pants and long sleeves, stay indoors when mosquitoes are the most active, use an insect repellent containing DEET and stay away from stagnant water.
For more information, contact the Public Health Department of Epidemiology and Immunization of Massachusetts at 617-983-6800.
[ad_2]
Source link