Massachusetts prepares for mosquitos bearing deadly infections

As Massachusetts insect season goes from bad to worse, the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses is hitting a new high.

Why it matters: Health officials are urging residents to take precautions against diseases like West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, also known as Triple E.

• Several towns in Plymouth and Worcester Counties began spraying for mosquitoes this week to decrease the threat.

What they're saying: "The spraying is one part of the solution, it is not the only solution," Plymouth Commissioner of Health and Human Services Michelle Bratti told NBC10.

• Anyone out at night is advised to use strong insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants and drain standing water around their homes.

Threat level: West Nile virus can cause flu-like symptoms, long-term complications, and in rare instances, death.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recorded 289 human cases of West Nile virus from 33 reporting states this year.

EEE has a higher fatality rate: around 30% of infected people, according to the CDC.

• A New Hampshire resident died this month from EEE.
• Massachusetts reported the first case of the disease last week.

What's next: The mosquito threat will continue until the fall when hard frost kills off the insects that carry the diseases, according to public health officials.