The increasing threat posed by the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus has led several towns in Massachusetts to initiate targeted mosquito spraying to safeguard residents.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that EEE, commonly referred to as Triple E, spreads through the bite of infected mosquitoes and can lead to severe illness, although annual case numbers remain relatively low. Despite this, the virus presents a significant public health concern.
Typically, most individuals infected with EEE show no symptoms, though the illness can vary from mild fever to serious neurological complications. The disease is especially perilous if it results in encephalitis, which is brain inflammation, and has a mortality rate of approximately 30% in those affected. Many survivors face long-term neurological challenges, leaving prevention as the only viable option since there are currently no approved vaccines or targeted treatments for humans.
Recent reports from Massachusetts officials revealed the season’s first human case of Triple E, marking the first such incident in the state since 2020. This year, three human cases of EEE have been reported across Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Vermont. The CDC noted 2019 as the year with the highest number of human EEE cases, recording 38 cases.
As of now, ten Massachusetts communities are classified under high or critical risk for the virus, as per the state’s Department of Public Health. The high-risk areas include Plymouth, Carver, Middleborough, Dudley, Uxbridge, and Northbridge, while critical-risk locations comprise Webster, Oxford, Sutton, and Douglas.
In response to this health threat, aerial spraying will occur in parts of Plymouth County, with truck-mounted spraying concentrating on areas within Worcester County. Health officials aim to reduce mosquito populations, the primary carriers of the virus.
The pesticide used in these efforts is Anvil 10+10, which is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and has been extensively tested for both ground-level and aerial spraying to control mosquito populations across the U.S. for over two decades. The CDC has reported that Anvil 10+10 is highly effective in eliminating mosquitoes.
Ashley Randle, commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, stated that, “Due to the increased EEE risk and the first human case of the season, the state is taking decisive action to protect public health.” Randle emphasizes the importance of these proactive measures while encouraging individuals to maintain vigilance and adhere to personal protection guidelines.
Furthermore, officials in Plymouth County announced that public parks and fields will be closed from dusk to dawn as of August 23 due to the area’s high-risk status for EEE.
To minimize mosquito exposure, the CDC recommends using insect repellent, dressing in long sleeves and pants, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity periods.