Deadly EEE Virus Hits 9th Person In Bay State This Summer

An elderly Essex County man became the ninth person to contract Eastern equine encephalitis from a mosquito bite this summer in Massachusetts. The man is in his 70s, according to the state Department of Public Health.

The department did not say which town the man is from, but did say that as a result of his infection the EEE risk levels in North Shore communities were raised. A 59-year-old Fairhaven died of EEE in August.

"We continue to emphasize the need for people to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel. "We urge the public to use bug spray, wear long sleeves and pants and socks to reduce exposed skin, and stay indoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active."

Ipswich and Topsfield this week were designated as having a high risk for EEE and Beverly, Danvers, Hamilton, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport and Wenham were labeled a moderate risk. That makes 35 Massachusetts communities now at critical risk, 40 at high risk, and 128 at moderate risk.

Seven horses and a goat have also been infected with EEE, according to DPH.

One person contracted West Nile virus in Massachusetts this summer.