Deadly Virus in Massachusetts: State Spraying to Combat Fatal Mosquito-Borne Disease!

Massachusetts is spraying for mosquitoes after a man contracted Eastern equine encephalitis, marking the state’s first human case since 2020. 🌐 #News #BostonMA #Massachusett #BreakingNews

BOSTON, MA – State and local health officials in Massachusetts are warning about the threat of mosquito-borne Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) after a man in his 80s became the first human infected in the state since 2020.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources on Saturday announced plans to conduct aerial spraying for mosquitos in Plymouth County and truck mounted spraying in Worcester County.

So far, 10 communities in the area have been raised to high or critical risk for EEE.

There are eight communities in the aerial spray zone: Carver, Halifax, Kingston, Middleborough, Plymouth, Plympton, Rochester, and Wareham. There are five in the truck spray zone: Douglas, Dudley, Oxford, Sutton, and Uxbridge.

“This is the first time we have seen a person infected with EEE in Massachusetts since 2020,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “EEE is a rare but serious disease and a public health concern. We want to remind residents of the need to protect themselves from mosquito bites, especially in areas of the state where we are seeing EEE activity.”

EEE-positive mosquitos were identified in the state starting on July 3. On Aug. 16, Massachusetts DPH announced the first human case of EEE infection in a man in his 80s exposed in Worcester County. During the last outbreak in 2019–2020, 17 people were infected, and seven of them died.

EEE is a rare but potentially fatal disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Around 30% of cases are fatal, but many of those who survive face ongoing neurological effects. Symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral changes, and drowsiness.

There are no preventative vaccines or medical treatments for EEE. Health officials advise people to avoid mosquito bites when EEE is confirmed in their area, by applying insect repellent when outdoors, and avoiding being outdoors during peak mosquito hours from dusk to dawn.

The town of Plymouth said that due to high risk in the area, it is closing all parks and fields between dusk and dawn until further notice.

“Due to the increased EEE risk and the first human case of the season, the state is taking decisive action to protect public health,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle.

“Aerial spraying will target mosquitoes carrying the EEE virus. While these measures are crucial for reducing transmission risk, it’s vital for everyone to stay vigilant and follow personal protection guidelines to safeguard our community.”

The pesticide used is Anvil 10+10, an EPA-registered product, applied using an ultra-low volume aerosol. It is not necessary to bring pets indoors during spraying, but doing so will minimize their exposure.

Residents in areas targeted for spraying are advised to take certain precautions to protect ornamental fish ponds or bee hives. Although fish are unlikely to be near the surface of water feeding, residents with shallow fish ponds in the aerial spraying zone should cover them overnight. While honeybees are likely to be in their hives during evening spraying, beekeepers should consider applying a cover to the hive entrance or over the entire hive box(es) using a loose wet cloth (burlap, sheet, etc.) to prevent bees from exiting and coming into direct contact with the pesticide.

Written by TMX staff, with additional reporting by Jack and Kitty Norton for JackAndKitty.com.

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