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Boston Globe
19 hours ago
- Health
- Boston Globe
EEE confirmed in Hampshire county, officials say
EEE, a mosquito-borne virus, kills 30 percent of people who develop a severe case of the illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many who survive a severe case experience ongoing neurological issues, the agency said. Early symptoms of EEE include a high fever, stiff neck, headache, and lack of energy, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Symptoms occur within three to 10 days following the bite of an infected mosquito, the department said. There is no treatment for EEE. Patients with severe cases sometimes go into a coma within a week, the department said. Advertisement The most dangerous complication of the disease is swelling of the brain, according to the department. 'Few people recover completely,' the department wrote in a EEE Easthampton officials advised residents to reduce the risk of mosquito bites by applying insect repellent, avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours — dusk and dawn — and wearing long sleeves. Additionally, officials advised residents to eliminate standing water from areas near their homes, as mosquitos lay their eggs in standing water. Advertisement 'Check rain gutters and drains,' Easthampton officials wrote in the press release. 'Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change the water in birdbaths frequently.' 'EEE activity in Massachusetts tends to occur in outbreak cycles,' Dr. Catherine M. Brown, Massachusetts's epidemiologist, said in a press release last week. 'When EEE is found in mosquitos at this point in the season, the risk may increase throughout the rest of the summer.' Truman Dickerson can be reached at
Boston Globe
7 days ago
- Health
- Boston Globe
Officials detect EEE in mosquito sample in Belchertown, the state's first positive test this year
According to the CDC, approximately 30 percent of people who develop severe EEE die, and many survivors have ongoing neurologic problems. The disease is generally spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, officials said. Advertisement In 2019, 12 Officials advised residents to avoid mosquito bites by applying insect repellent, draining stagnant water, and being aware of peak mosquito hours — dusk to dawn, officials said. 'EEE activity in Massachusetts tends to occur in outbreak cycles,' said Dr. Catherine M. Brown, the state's epidemiologist. 'When EEE is found in mosquitos at this point in the season, the risk may increase throughout the rest of the summer.' Truman Dickerson can be reached at
