Massachusetts Town Closes Parks Due to Mosquito-Borne Encephalitis Risk
Plymouth, Massachusetts, has taken additional precautions by shutting all of its parks and fields from nightfall to morning due to an increased danger of encephalitis carried by mosquitos. This decision was taken in response to the finding of the first incidence of West Nile virus (WNV) in a human and the first case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in an animal in the state this year.
Confirmed Cases and Areas Affected
- West Nile virus (WNV): A man in his 40s from Hampden County was the first person in Massachusetts this year to be diagnosed with Pneumonia.
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE): An EEE-positive horse in Plymouth caused more security worries in the area.
- Risk Levels: Increasing the danger level in Plymouth, EEE-positive mosquito samples were found in Dedham. Twelve other towns are at an intermediate risk for EEE, along with Carver and Middleborough.
What WNV and EEE Symptoms Looking Like
Flu-like symptoms:
- Headache
- Fever
- Muscle or joint aches
- Fatigue or weakness
Other Possible Symptoms:
- Sensitivity to light
- Stiff neck
- Mental confusion
- Seizures
Assisting and Suggesting Public Health Measures
As a reminder, Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein tells “people to keep taking steps by using bug spray, wearing protective clothes, and staying inside during mosquito season”.
Residents should follow these rules until the first hard frost, which usually ends the mosquito season.
Background Information and the Current Threat
According to historical records, most WNV cases happened in Massachusetts in August and September. Higher levels of EEE activity have also been seen this year, which reminds me of the breakouts in 2019 and 2020.
A modest chance of getting WNV infected by humans exists, but EEE is still a serious and possibly deadly threat, with a death rate of 33% to 70%.
