The Department of Public Health says that the risk from EEE is no longer considered high or critical anywhere in the state.
BOSTON (WWLP) – The state has lowered EEE risk levels in several areas.
The Department of Public Health says that the risk from EEE is no longer considered high or critical anywhere in the state. Areas previously at high or critical risk are now at moderate risk.
This change affects the towns in Plymouth and Middlesex counties. In western Massachusetts, the town of Conway has a moderate risk level. This year there have been 96 EEE-positive mosquito samples, three horse cases, and four human cases in Massachusetts.
“Our surveillance data and past patterns of disease indicate that the risk from EEE is, thankfully, declining,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “We know that most EEE infections occur by the end of September and this decision reflects that. Some risk from EEE will continue to exist until the first hard frost and we encourage people to continue to take steps to prevent mosquito bites as they enjoy the fall weather.”
“Mosquito behavior is more variable at this time of year,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown. “The mosquitoes that are most likely to spread EEE to people are dying off and are present in much smaller numbers. In addition, their activity is driven more by temperature and humidity and somewhat less by the time of day.”
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