Massachusetts towns enforce night curfews as deadly mosquito-borne virus spreads

Massachusetts towns are on high alert as a deadly mosquito virus stalks the region , with many believed to be at risk .

State health officials confirmed that eastern equine encephalitis has struck again, with new cases in an Oxford man and a Plymouth horse. This comes amidst warnings for both eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus .

Plymouth, famed for the first settlement of what is now a 246-year-old nation, has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on public outdoor spaces. Additional towns are advising residents to stay indoors at night.

• Little-known dementia symptom is first spotted in the eyes, says health expert
• 'Loud' hobby could cause dementia later in life, warns top doctor

Amidst these concerns, the bird flu has been found in domestic cats. Health authorities are expanding slaughterhouse testing to prevent further spread among farm populations.

As expected with the season, the West Nile virus has also asserted its presence over the summer months.

A "critical risk" warning has been issued for four towns near Worcester Douglas, Oxford, Sutton and Webster particularly after an Oxford man was diagnosed with the virus.

People living in these areas are advised to minimize exposure to mosquitoes, especially during their peak activity periods from evening till the set dates of Sept. 30 and then from 5pm post that date, until the frost sets in.

Residents are advised to wear mosquito repellent outdoors and drain any standing water near their homes. An Oxford man contracted the virus in mid-August, according to a memo issued by the town manager of Oxford.

• Map shows most dangerous place in US for shark attacks as 'unprovoked encounters' on rise

"They want people to be aware this is an extremely serious disease with terrible physical and emotional consequences, regardless if the person manages to live," wrote Jennifer Callahan.

The man's family states that he does not believe he has been bitten before the recent incident. He is currently hospitalized, where he is "courageously battling" the virus.

The virus was detected in a mosquito sample last month. In 2019, a significant outbreak occurred, resulting in six deaths among 12 known reported cases. The following year, there were five more cases and another death.

There is currently no vaccine or treatment for the disease, also known as EEE.

Although rare, the disease is very serious, with about 30 percent of those infected dying, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea and seizures. Those who survive are often permanently disabled, and few completely recover, say state authorities.

The disease is also prevalent in birds, and although humans and some other mammals can contract it, they don't spread it.

The CDC reports only a few cases of EEE are typically reported in the country each year, with most infections found in eastern and Gulf Coast states.

For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .