First human case of EEE in MA since 2020: List of critical, high and moderate risk towns

Massachusetts officials have confirmed the first human case of Eastern equine encephalitis in the state this year.

The Department of Public Health announced on Aug. 16 the first human case of the virus in a male in his 80s who was exposed in Worcester County.

The announcement comes after officials earlier this summer confirmed EEE-positive mosquitoes had been found in several Massachusetts counties, including Plymouth and Bristol County. The first animal case of EEE of the season was detected in a horse in Plymouth in early August.

Here's what to know about the areas at risk for EEE and how you can stay safe.

Which areas of Massachusetts are at risk for EEE?

Following the first confirmed human case of EEE in the state, officials raised the risk level for the virus to critical in parts of Worcester County. Here is the full list of critical, high and moderate risk areas:

EEE critical risk areas

• Douglas
• Oxford
• Sutton
• Webster

EEE high risk areas

• Carver
• Dudley
• Middleboro
• Northbridge
• Plymouth
• Uxbridge

EEE moderate risk areas

• Amesbury
• Auburn
• Bridgewater
• Charlton
• Grafton
• Groveland
• Halifax
• Haverhill
• Kingston
• Lakeville
• Leicester
• Mendon
• Merrimac
• Millbury
• Millville
• Newburyport
• Plympton
• Rochester
• Salisbury
• Southbridge
• Upton
• Wareham
• West Newbury

How to stay safe from EEE virus

The best way to stay safe from EEE is to protect against mosquito bites, according to officials.

This includes using mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered active ingredient , wearing clothing that reduces exposed skin and avoiding evening outdoor activities.

The mosquitoes most likely to spread EEE are usually active during dusk to dawn, officials said.

More: 5 of the most dangerous animals to watch out for in Massachusetts

What is EEE or triple E? What are the symptoms?

Triple E is a virus spread to humans who have been bit by a mosquito infected with it.

Human cases of EEE are rare but serious — about 30% of people infected with the virus die from it, according to the CDC . The symptoms can include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral changes, and drowsiness, the CDC says.

Before the latest announcement, there hadn't been a positive human case of EEE in Massachusetts since 2020.

Is EEE contagious?

No, it can only be spread by infected mosquitos. Both humans and horses are considered "dead end" hosts, according to the CDC , meaning "they do not spread the virus, even though they get sick, to mosquitoes that bite them."

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: First human case of EEE in MA since 2020: List of critical, high and moderate risk towns