A town in Massachusetts has decided to close its public parks and fields at night following the confirmation of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in a horse. EEE is a rare but deadly virus carried by mosquitoes that can infect humans, typically leading to severe illness or death.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has raised the EEE risk level for Plymouth, located about 40 miles southeast of Boston, prompting health officials to advise residents to take additional precautions when outdoors and to comply with health guidelines aimed at minimizing exposure to the virus. The measures come after local mosquitoes tested positive for EEE and the state reported its first human case since 2020.
Officials indicated that the closure of public parks and fields from dusk until dawn, when mosquitoes are most active, is an important preventative step. Additionally, plans are in place to spray parks and school areas in the coming days.
The heightened precautions follow a recent outbreak in Massachusetts that began in 2019, which resulted in 12 cases and six fatalities. The state’s Department of Public Health noted that Massachusetts typically experiences EEE outbreaks every 10 to 20 years, lasting two to three years.
Earlier this month, an elderly man in Worcester County tested positive for the virus, prompting nearby towns to increase their risk assessments. In Oxford, local health officials recommended that outdoor events conclude by 6 p.m. until the end of September, and by 5 p.m. from October until the first hard frost. This recommendation was described as advisory rather than obligatory.
In neighboring New York, officials are also warning residents after two horses tested positive for EEE, suggesting that the virus may be present in surrounding mosquito populations. Mosquito testing in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts has similarly shown positive results, leading health authorities to encourage scheduling outdoor activities during daylight hours rather than at night.
To protect against the EEE virus, individuals are advised to minimize mosquito exposure, particularly during dusk and dawn. Recommended precautions include using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, employing air conditioning and screens to keep mosquitoes out of homes, and eliminating standing water that could serve as breeding sites.
Despite the danger posed by EEE, many people infected with the virus do not show symptoms. However, those at higher risk include individuals over 50 years old and children under 15. There is currently no vaccine or treatment available for EEE.