Massachusetts warns of potentially fatal Eastern equine encephalitis virus this summer

Massachusetts health department has warned the residents to be cautious of mosquito bites this summer as these blood-sucking insects have potentially fatal Eastern equine encephalitis virus, which has been detected in the state.

This is for the first time that the virus has been found in the state this summer.

In a statement on Friday, the Department of Public Health announced that the mosquito sample was collected on Tuesday from Bridgewater.

“EEE is an annual occurrence in Massachusetts. These were mammal-biting mosquitoes, and the findings should remind residents of the area to cover up and apply insect repellent when outdoors,” said state public health veterinarian Dr. Catherine Brown in a statement.

The Department of Public Health has kept the town’s risk level to moderate.

The encouraging development is that no human cases of EEE or West Nile virus were reported this year in the state. Last year, Massachusetts reported one EEE case.

The health officials have also alerted the general public of remaining alert and take necessary precautions against mosquito bites.

EEE, spread through the bite of a mosquito, is a potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages with the children and elderly at higher risk.

Health officials have recommended residents to cover up their bodies or use bug spray while outdoors this summer.

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Christina Langfold

Remember that weird girl in school who never quite managed to fit in? Who was always silent and strange? That was me during my entire teenage life. A few years after finishing college (with a degree in arts) I decided that the best way to become more sociable, while also feeling safe, is to test my people skills online.