BOSTON – The risk level for the eastern equine encephalitis virus has been raised to “high” in Acushnet, Fairhaven, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester and Taunton in Bristol and Plymouth counties, making for a total of 13 communities now at risk.
The Department of Public Health is working with Mosquito Control Projects and other agencies and experts to survey and discuss appropriate public health response.
For now, residents are urged to protect themselves from mosquitoes with repellent, appropriate dress, and limited after-dusk activity.
The department also urges people to mosquito-proof their homes by installing or repairing window screens and draining standing water frequently.
EEE is a rare but potentially fatal disease that can affect all age groups. The most recent case of EEE in Massachusetts was in 2013, and the most recent outbreak was from 2010 to 2012.
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