Mosquito illness in Massachusetts: What to know

Public health officials in Massachusetts warned residents to take extra precautions due to a heightened risk of Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus , or EEE virus, a rare mosquito-borne infection that can cause severe neurological problems.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said in a press release on Saturday that 10 communities have been raised to high or critical risk for the EEE virus , prompting aerial spraying for mosquitos in Plymouth County. Authorities will also use trucks to spray for insects in parts of Worcester County.

So far, the state has only reported one human case, a male in his 80s. The state has not seen an EEE virus outbreak since the 2019-2020 season, during which there were 17 human cases and seven deaths.

“This year’s outbreak and activity raise the risk for communities in parts of the state. We need to use all our available tools to reduce risk and protect our communities,” DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said. “We are asking everyone to do their part.”

Most people infected with EEE virus do not develop symptoms, but those who do will become sick within four to 10 days of being bitten, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

The least severe form of the illness consists of flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, body aches, and joint pain. Most people will recover completely within one to two weeks.

More severe cases, however, can involve neurological problems, including meningitis, which is the inflammation of the membranes protecting the brain and spinal cord, and encephalitis, the inflammation of the brain.

Approximately a third of all people infected with the EEE virus will die, according to the CDC, with death occurring between two and 10 days of symptom onset. Those who survive often need long-term care.

Mosquito-borne illnesses have been on the rise in recent years, with eight cases of domestically acquired malaria popping up in Florida and Texas last year.

West Nile virus has also been on the rise in recent years, with recent cases in New York.

Rising summer heat wave temperatures may be conducive to an overall rise in the number of mosquitoes across the country, but other evidence suggests that urbanization and diminishing residual levels of the insecticide DDT may also be contributing factors.

The pesticide being used by the DPH to prevent the spread of the EEE virus is Anvil 10+10 , a product registered with the Environmental Protection Agency that has been used for aerial and ground-level mosquito control for the past 20 years.

Although the pesticide is considered safe, the public health agency recommends remaining inside during spraying for people with known chemical sensitivities or respiratory conditions, such as asthma.

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DPH also recommends that people take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, including wearing long sleeves and pants while outdoors, bug-proofing windows and doors, and keeping domestic animals indoors.

“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,” Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle said.