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Home Infectious Diseases

Rising Cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Massachusetts

by Global Biodefense Staff
September 8, 2019
Rising Cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Massachusetts

Cryoelectron microscopy structure of eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV). Courtesy: NCBI

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus—a rare but often fatal mosquito-borne virus—has been found in Massachusetts for the first time since 2013.

Since the beginning of August, seven people in the state have tested positive for the virus, and one woman from Bristol County has died from the illness. State officials have additionally found the virus in 400 mosquito samples.

Symptoms, including fevers, chills, and fatigue, can manifest abruptly and are later accompanied by standout neurological problems “such as headache, cognitive changes, seizures, weakness, numbness, difficulty with coordination, or visual changes, among other signs.”

Read the full story by Jessica Colarossi at Boston University’s The Brink

Map of Massachusetts with mosquito risk zone highlights
Map showing the various risk levels in Massachusetts communities for the dangerous EEE virus. Courtesy Massachusetts Department of Public Health

RELATED READING

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Statistics & Maps

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

In the United States, an average of 7 human cases of EEE are reported annually. In 2019, there have been 7 cases confirmed in Massachusetts alone. Most cases of EEE have historically been reported from Florida, Massachusetts, New York, and North Carolina. EEEV transmission is most common in and around freshwater hardwood swamps in the Atlantic and Gulf Coast states and the Great Lakes region.

Eastern equine encephalitis virus neuroinvasive disease cases reported by state of residence, 2009–2018

Source: ArboNET, Arboviral Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Data
From 2009 through 2018, Eastern equine encephalitis virus neuroinvasive disease cases have been reported in Alabama (1), Arkansas (1), Connecticut (1), Florida (13), Georgia (6), Louisiana (2), Maine (2), Maryland (1), Massachusetts (10), Michigan (7), Missouri (1), Montana (1), New Hampshire (3), New Jersey (1), New York (8), North Carolina (7), Pennsylvania (1), Rhode Island (1), Vermont (2), Virginia (1), and Wisconsin (2).

Despite Cooler Temperatures, New Cases of a Potentially Fatal Mosquito Virus Were Confirmed in Massachusetts

CNN

Thirty-six Massachusetts communities are now at critical risk, 42 are now at high risk and 115 are now at moderate risk for EEE, according to the state health department. Additional cases of the virus have been confirmed in animals this year in Massachusetts: eight horses and one goat.

“Even though temperatures have cooled off, it is not unusual to see human EEE cases confirmed in September. This is why we continue to urge the public to take seriously the threat that mosquitos can pose and to take steps to avoid being bitten.”

Dr. Monica Bharel – Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner

Technical Fact Sheet: Eastern Equine Encephalitis

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Prevention recommendations:

  • Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin and/or clothing. The repellent/insecticide permethrin can be used on clothing to protect through several washes. Always follow the directions on the package.
  • Wear long sleeves and pants when weather permits.
  • Have secure screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
  • Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets, barrels and other containers. Drill holes if appropriate so water drains out.
Tags: Editor PickEquine Encephalitis

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