First Human Case of EEE in Massachusetts Since 2020 Triggers Warnings and Curfew in One Town

Massachusetts officials have confirmed the first human case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in the state since 2020. The virus, transmitted by mosquitoes, has infected an 80-year-old man in Worcester County, according to the state Department of Public Health (DPH). Specific details about where or how the man contracted the virus, as well as his current condition, have not been disclosed.

EEE is a severe illness with a 30% fatality rate. In 2019, twelve residents in Massachusetts were infected, with six fatalities. In 2020, one of the five individuals who contracted the virus also died.

“This marks the first EEE case in Massachusetts since 2020,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “EEE is a rare but serious disease and a significant public health concern. We urge residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites, especially in areas where EEE activity has been detected.”

Currently, four towns—Douglas, Sutton, Webster, and Oxford—are considered to be at "critical" risk. Oxford officials have implemented a 6 p.m. curfew on outdoor activities on town property, following state health recommendations that highlight increased risk from early evening through morning.

The curfew has sparked concerns among residents, particularly regarding its impact on school sports events. However, state health experts emphasize the importance of avoiding outdoor activities during dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes most likely to transmit EEE are most active.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine M. Brown advises, “In addition to using mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered active ingredient and wearing protective clothing, we recommend rescheduling evening outdoor events to avoid peak mosquito activity.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of EEE include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral changes, and drowsiness. Survivors often face long-term neurological issues, and there are currently no vaccines or treatments available for EEE.

In addition to the four towns at critical risk, six others—Uxbridge, Northbridge, Carver, Dudley, Middleborough, and Plymouth—are classified as "high risk" for EEE. Another 23 towns have been designated as moderate-risk areas.

The public can monitor EEE risk levels via a live EEE Risk Map available on Mass.gov.