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A mosquito in Massachusetts has been tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis, or EEE, public health officials said Wednesday.
The disease is serious and potentially fatal, officials said. Humans can contract the disease by the bite of an infected mosquito, and this can affect people of any age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with severe EEE tend to suffer from headaches, fever and vomiting before the illness worsens, causing seizures or coma.
Researchers from the state public health laboratory took mosquito samples in Lakeville on August 17. This is the first time the virus has been detected in a mosquito in Massachusetts this year. The last time that there was a human case of EEE in Massachusetts was before 2017, officials said.
"In recent years, we have been fortunate to see little evidence of EEE activity," said Monica Bharel, the state's public health commissioner, according to a statement from the Department of Public Health. "Despite this, we know that the EEE occurs in Massachusetts and that this is a timely reminder."
Health officials urge residents to be alert to the presence of potentially infected mosquitoes and to take precautions to avoid contracting the disease.
"People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones against diseases caused by mosquitoes," the statement said.
People can avoid mosquito bites by using a DEET insect repellent, avoid staying out at night, wearing clothes that cover more skin, and installing or repairing screens on their windows and doors.
Andres Picon can be contacted at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @ andpicon.
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