Massachusetts Raises EEE Risk, Closes Parks

In response to the heightened threat of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), several Massachusetts towns, including Plymouth, have implemented strict measures such as closing parks and playgrounds from dusk to dawn. This decision follows the first human case of EEE in the state since 2020, involving an 80-year-old man who remains hospitalized. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has raised Plymouth's EEE risk status to 'high,' while four additional towns are at 'critical risk.' EEE, transmitted via mosquito bites, can lead to severe health issues, including encephalitis, with a 30% mortality rate among those affected. Officials recommend protective measures like wearing long sleeves, using bug repellent, and eliminating standing water to prevent mosquito breeding. The presence of EEE in local mosquito populations has been confirmed, prompting targeted spraying efforts across affected areas.