The Massachusetts Health Department has found Triple E close to The Cape.
Officials say the presence was detected in a mosquito in Carver late Sunday.
No human or animal cases have yet been detected, however.
Today’s finding increases the risk level of EEE to moderate in the communities of Carver, Kingston, Middleborough, Plymouth, Plympton, and Wareham.
“The last EEE outbreak cycle in Massachusetts occurred in 2019-2020 and since then, there have been no human cases of EEE reported in the state,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Today’s finding alerts us to the presence of EEE in Massachusetts this year. Combined with yesterday’s announcement of West Nile virus in mosquitoes in Massachusetts, we are asking everyone to take the necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites. We recommend that people use mosquito repellent when they are spending time outdoors so they can celebrate the July 4th holiday and enjoy the rest of the summer without being bitten.”
State officials say that although Triple E is rare, there is always the potential for fatal outcomes.
There were 12 human cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2019 with six deaths; in 2020, there were five human cases and one death. There were no human cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2021, 2022 or 2023.
Doctors say long sleeves if you are outdoors. Remove standing water from properties and sprays with DEET are advantageous.
(Photo by GUILLAUME SOUVANT/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo: GUILLAUME SOUVANT / AFP / Getty Images