The eighth human case of EEE confirmed in the mass, according to officials

The eighth human case of the rare and potentially fatal Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), which occurred in the midst of this year's Massachusetts outbreak, has been confirmed, officials said Friday.

The mosquito-borne infection, which can cause swelling of the brain, fever and coma, was discovered in a man some 50 years from northeastern Bristol County. announced the Department of Public Health in a statement.

"Even though we are in September, it's still the season of mosquitoes," said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel. "We continue to emphasize the need for people to protect themselves from mosquito bites."

Across the state, there are currently 35 critical-risk, 38 high-risk, and 120 moderate-risk EEE communities, which killed a Fairhaven woman last month.

"The Massachusetts Agricultural Resources Department continues to conduct aerial spraying and is also supporting the use of truck-based ground sprays when conditions permit this season," said John Lebeaux, Commissioner of the Department of Agricultural Resources. "We continue to urge the public to use the insect repellents offered by MA DPH, to wear pants and long sleeves and to stay inside the twilight at dawn, when mosquitoes are the more active.

The next wave of aerial spraying against mosquitoes is expected to begin Monday in parts of Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester counties, weather permitting, officials said.

Towns and villages that will be partially or fully sprayed over the next week include: Brimfield, Palmer, Ware, Brookfield, Charlton, East Brookfield, New Braintree, North Brookfield, Southbridge, Sturbridge, Warren and West Brookfield, according to DPH.

Spraying in parts of Middlesex, Norfolk and Worcester counties is expected to continue over the weekend, the department said.

According to officials, DPH learned that a horse whose EEE was diagnosed in Granby at the end of August had been bred in Connecticut.

"As a result, the cities of Granby, Belchertown, Ludlow, Chicopee and South Hadley have all been reduced to moderate risk," said DPH in its statement.