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A fifth person has contracted eastern equine encephalitis virus, or EEE, transmitted by mosquitoes in Massachusetts, during the first outbreak in several years, public health officials said Thursday.
A 70-year-old man from southwestern Middlesex County has tested positive for the virus, the Department of Public Health said in a statement.
According to DPH, EEE risk levels have reached critical status in Ashland, Hopedale and Milford. Bellingham, Blackstone and Millville are now at high risk.
"Even though the weather is getting colder, it is essential that people take steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites," said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel.
EEE, which spread through infected mosquitoes that are usually found in and around hardwood swamps, exhibit symptoms such as swelling of the brain, coma and fever.
"Death usually occurs 2 to 10 days after the onset of symptoms, but can occur much later," says the Centers for Disease Control. "Among those who recover, many suffer from disabling and progressive mental and physical sequelae, which can range from minimal brain dysfunction to severe intellectual impairment, personality disorders, convulsions, paralysis, and nerve dysfunction." cranial. Many patients with serious sequelae die within a few years. "
There is no vaccine for EEE.
Massachusetts is currently experiencing its first outbreak of the virus since 2012. This year, DPH found IAS in 392 mosquito samples, many of which belonged to species likely to transmit the virus to the population, officials said.
Last month, a woman from Fairhaven died while she was hospitalized with an EEE. The virus has also been confirmed in eight horses and a goat this summer, according to DPH.
The epidemic prompted DPH to place 32 communities on the critical risk level, 39 on a high risk and 121 on a moderate risk of EEE.
Officials continue to urge the public to take precautions, such as applying an insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing and avoiding staying out at night during rush hour mosquitoes.
According to DPH, communities are spraying mosquitoes in trucks. Aerial spraying took place last month in parts of Bristol, Middlesex, Plymouth and Worcester counties.
"The aerial spraying is finished for the season mainly because of the night temperatures too low to allow an effective aerial application," said DPH in a statement. "Spraying for mosquitoes does not eliminate the risk of EEE transmission and the public is encouraged to continue to follow personal protection practices."
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