(AP Photo/LM Otero, File)
BOSTON – The state’s first Eastern Equine Encephalitis positive mosquito this year has been detected in Southeastern Massachusetts. Mosquito samples collected this week in Lakeville, in Plymouth County, tested positive for the disease according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
So far this year there have been no known human cases of EEE in the Commonwealth and there were none last year but trapping and testing will continue. “The drought in 2015 through 2016 reduced the species of mosquitos that are responsible for amplifying EEE virus in the bird population,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown.
“The last couple of years have been rebuilding years and our job will be to continue to closely monitor EEE activity through the mosquito surveillance done in conjunction with the Mosquito Control Districts.”
EEE is a rare but potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages.
The disease is typically spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
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