Rare mosquito-borne virus sparks park closures in US towns

Ten communities in Massachusetts have been designated at high or critical risk for EEE, also known as “Triple E,” after mosquitoes in the area tested positive for the virus.

The US state reported its first human case of EEE since 2020, with an elderly man diagnosed on August 16. The virus has also been detected in a horse in Plymouth, further elevating the risk level in that town.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health warns that between 33% and 70% of people infected with EEE die, with most deaths occurring within two to 10 days after symptoms appear.

These symptoms can include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and behavioral changes.

In response to the heightened risk, officials have begun aerial spraying of the pesticide Anvil 10+10, a product registered by the EPA for mosquito control.

Residents are also being urged to avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours in the evening, especially in areas with reported EEE activity.

“EEE is a rare but serious disease and a public health concern,” said Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein. “We want to remind residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites, particularly in high-risk areas.”

This is not the first outbreak of EEE in Massachusetts; the state saw 17 human cases and seven deaths from the virus in 2019 and 2020.

While EEE is rare, with only about 11 cases reported annually in the US, it is highly dangerous, with many survivors experiencing long-term neurological issues.

In addition to EEE, eight municipalities in Massachusetts are also at high risk for West Nile virus, another mosquito-borne illness.

Notably, Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, recently contracted West Nile and is recovering at home after a six-day hospital stay.

State health officials continue to urge the public to take precautions against mosquito bites to reduce the risk of infection.

(With inputs from BBC and US CDC)

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