A rare but potentially deadly mosquito-borne virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (Triple E) has been reported to be on the rise.
Triple E was first diagnosed in 2020. However, multiple cases have been reported in different states in the USA.
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This has led nearly a dozen towns in the state of Massachusetts to close public parks at night to inhibit infections
Additionally, the state has also imposed varied restrictions on outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours to mitigate the same.
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How does Tripple E spread?
The virus “Triple E,” spreads through mosquito bites and has been reported to have a high mortality rate.
According to the American CDC Triple E kills between 33% and 70% of those infected.
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Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, headaches, seizures, and vomiting, and there are no vaccines or treatments available.
Consequently, the recent alert was triggered when a horse in Plymouth, Massachusetts, tested positive for EEE.
This ensured the raising of the town’s risk level to meet any unwarranted and unexpected surges of infection.
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Triple E patient
Shortly after, a man in his 80s became the first confirmed human case of the virus in the state since 2020.
As a result, ten communities in Massachusetts are now considered at high or critical risk for Triple E.
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To control the spread of the virus, officials are conducting aerial pesticide spraying with Anvil 10+10, an EPA-registered product used for mosquito control.
State health officials are also advising residents to avoid outdoor activities in the evening when mosquitoes are most active, and to take extra precautions until the end of September.
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Massachusetts has faced Triple E outbreaks in the past, with 17 reported human cases and seven deaths in 2019 and 2020.
Although Triple E is rare, with only about 11 cases reported yearly in the U.S., its severity has prompted significant public health precautions.
Public health officials continue to emphasize the importance of personal protection and mosquito control efforts.
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