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August 26, 2019
METHUEN, MASS. (WHDH) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced Monday that Methuen was now at a critical risk of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, after a horse had tested positive for the virus.
A positive EEE test in an animal automatically increases the threat level for EEE at the critical level in a community, according to health officials.
As a result, Methuen Mayor James Jajuga said he plans to meet with the city's emergency management team to discuss measures to combat the virus.
Jajuga said the city followed the guidelines of the Ministry of Public Health and advised all residents to limit exposure outside after sunset.
"We are very concerned about the critical designation of EEE. It is not common for a community in Essex County to face such a level of concern for the virus. We therefore believe that it is extremely important to bring our management team together this afternoon and to ensure that we have a messaging strategy and plan in place that will provide responsible services. recommendations to all Methuen residents and to all business owners, "Jajuga said in a press release.
A woman who was undergoing treatment for Eastern Equine Encephalitis at the Tufts Medical Center in Boston died during the weekend.
There have been four human cases of EEE in Massachusetts this year.
Health officials said 37 communities were at high or critical risk for EEE.
The level of risk for EEE also fell from moderate to high on Monday.
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