Potentially Fatal Virus Detected In MA Mosquitoes: MDPH

A potentially deadly virus was detected in mosquitoes for the first time this year, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

The presence of Eastern equine encephalitis was confirmed in a mosquito sample collected Monday in the town of Belchertown in Hampshire County, MDPH said in a news release.

"This is around the time we would expect to find EEE in mosquitoes in Massachusetts, especially
after an active EEE season last year with four recorded human cases,” said Public Health
Commissioner Robbie Goldstein.

“This is only a first finding and mosquito surveillance will be key to tracking any developing areas of increasing risk," Goldstein said. "Today’s finding is an important reminder for residents to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites.”

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EEE is rare but serious and potentially fatal, and can affect people of all ages, according to the release.

"EEE is generally spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito," the release said. "There were four human cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2024 with one death. There were also four EEE-infected horse cases last year. No human or animal cases of EEE have been detected so far this year."

The danger posed by the mosquito-borne virus may get worse as the summer goes on, State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine M. Brown, said in the release.

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"When EEE is found in mosquitoes at this point in the season, the risk
may increase throughout the rest of the summer," Brown said. "We rely on our mosquito surveillance program to monitor for the presence of virus to let people know when and where the risk is occurring.”

The MDPH warned that the hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for
many mosquitoes.

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"Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or
early morning in areas of high risk," the release said.

The department also recommended applying insect repellent when outdoors and wearing long sleeves, pants and socks.

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