In a follow-up on the detection of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus in mosquito samples in Massachusetts, state health officials announced that eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus has been detected in Plymouth County for the first time this year.

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The findings mark the third time EEE virus has been confirmed in tested mosquito samples in Massachusetts this year.

In addition, The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced that West Nile virus has also been detected this year in mosquitoes in Middlesex and Suffolk counties.

No human or animal cases of WNV or Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) have been detected so far this year.

18 infections you can get from mosquitoes

EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. EEE is generally spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. There were 12 human cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2019 with six deaths. There were also nine cases in domestic animals.

While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. When present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur.