Massachusetts Confirms a case of EEE in Elderly Person

An older man in his 80s from Massachusetts, USA, has been diagnosed with Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). EEE is a rare disease caused by a virus transmitted to humans only through the bite of infected mosquitoes. About 30% of infected individuals die, and survivors commonly experience neurological problems.

In response to the outbreak, four Massachusetts towns (Douglas, Sutton, Webster, and Oxford) imposed evening lockdowns to prevent the transmission of this fatal infection. Another town, Plymouth, also announced the closure of municipal parks and fields.

According to the US CDC, 11 human cases of EEE are reported annually in the USA. Symptoms of EEE include fever, headache, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, and behavioral changes. After the mosquito bite, the symptoms occur in four to ten days. Death generally occurs two to ten days following the onset of the symptoms. EEE can be prevented only by avoiding mosquito bites. There is no specific treatment available to treat EEE. However, the CDC recommends supportive therapies to mitigate the symptoms of EEE.