United States: In a cautionary announcement, Massachusetts health authorities have raised alerts regarding mosquito-borne diseases following the year’s initial human instance of West Nile virus and the first animal case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).
The Department of Public Health disclosed on Tuesday that a man in his 40s contracted the West Nile virus in Hampden County, while a horse in Plymouth was diagnosed with EEE, affirming the virus’s presence, according to the reports by nbcboston.com.
Both viral agents were identified in mosquitoes earlier this summer.
West Nile virus typically induces fever and flu-like symptoms but can occasionally lead to severe health complications. Last year, Massachusetts recorded six human cases of the virus.
Although rare, EEE presents a significant health hazard to individuals across all age groups.
The most recent human case of EEE in Massachusetts occurred in 2020, resulting in five infections and one fatality. In 2019, there were six fatalities out of twelve human cases in the state.
The DPH emphasized that the months of August and September are particularly critical for mosquito-borne diseases in Massachusetts, as per nbcboston.com.
“We continue to advocate for preventive measures against mosquito bites until the advent of the first hard frost,” stated Dr. Catherine Brown, the state epidemiologist, in a departmental statement., adding, “Utilizing mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered active ingredient, wearing clothing that minimizes skin exposure, and reconsidering outdoor activities scheduled for evening or early morning hours are recommended precautions.”
Plymouth, where the horse contracted EEE, is the third Massachusetts community designated as high risk for the virus this year, following Carver and Middleborough. The state has also classified twelve areas, including Amesbury, Groveland, Halifax, Haverhill, Kingston, Merrimac, Newburyport, Plymouth, Plympton, Salisbury, Wareham, and West Newbury, as having moderate EEE risk.
Additionally, mosquito samples in Dedham tested positive for EEE, resulting in the town’s low-risk classification.
Moderate West Nile virus risks are present in various regions within Suffolk County, Middlesex County, Norfolk County, Bristol County, Essex County, Plymouth County, Worcester County, and Hampden County, as per reports by nbcboston.com.
With expectations of a burgeoning mosquito population throughout the summer, officials recommend avoidance of outdoor activities during dawn and dusk when mosquito activity peaks.