A Massachusetts city is closing its public parks and fields at night because of their “high risk status” for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a mosquito-borne disease that can be fatal.
The measures came after the horse was diagnosed with EEE, raising the city’s risk level to “high,” according to a statement issued by the city of Plymouth.
According to a city statement, there were also EEE-infected mosquitoes previously identified in Plymouth County (Halifax and Kingston), Barnstable County (Barnstable) and Essex County (Amesbury and Haverhill).
According to the US Centers for Disease Control, there is no vaccine for EEE and “although it is rare, eastern equine encephalitis is very serious. About 30% of people with eastern equine encephalitis die, and many survivors have ongoing neurological problems.”
Aerial view of Plymouth, Massachusetts.
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A 14-year-old girl is fighting for her life after contracting EEE, a rare mosquito-borne disease
Symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral changes, and drowsiness.
“Like a mass [Department of Public Health] has now raised Plymouth’s EEE risk status to high, it is important to take extra precautions when outdoors and follow state and local health guidelines to avoid unnecessary risk of EEE exposure. The health and safety of our community, residents and visitors remains our priority,” Plymouth Health and Human Services Commissioner Michelle Bratti said in a city statement.
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The city announced nightly dusting to suppress the mosquito population and urged citizens to take measures against the mosquito population in their yards, and to protect themselves from bites by dusting, and possibly by moving outdoor activities.
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Stock image of a mosquito.
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Connecticut woman who ‘wouldn’t kill a bug’ dies of rare mosquito-borne disease EEE
“The hours from dusk to dawn are peak bite times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that take place during the evening or early morning in high-risk areas,” the city’s statement advised.
So far this year, people in three states — Massachusetts, New Jersey and Vermont — have been diagnosed with the virus, according to the CDC. Seven cases were identified in the United States last year.
The news comes as the United States grapples with an increased risk of other mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus and dengue fever.
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Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education