New Delhi: Nearly a dozen towns in Massachusetts located near public parks have restricted outdoor activities after dark when mosquitoes are active and this is credited to a rare and new mosquito-borne virus known as Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The virus, which is known to spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, is said to be a serious health threat with no treatment or vaccines available. At present, 10 communities in Massachusetts have been titled high-risk groups for EEE after mosquitoes in the area tested positive for the virus.
In 2020, the US state reported the first human case of EEE – an elderly man was diagnosed with the same on August 16. The virus was later also found in a horse in Plymouth, further raising the risk of the same in humans. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 33% to 70% of the people infected with the same die, and most deaths occur within two to 10 days after the symptoms show. The symptoms of this infection are:
Seizures,
Fever
Headaches
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Behavioural changes
Responding to the risks, officials started to spray Anvil 10+10, a product registered for mosquito control by the EPA. Residents are also urged to avoid outdoor activities in evening hours, especially in parts where EEE activity is reported. Despite being rare, it is a major health concern. And this is not a first, the state of Massachusetts earlier saw 17 human cases of the same and seven deaths from the virus in 2019-2020.
Despite being rare, 11 cases of EEE are reported every year in the US. It is highly-dangerous and many survivors experience long-term neurological problems. Additionally, eight municipalities in Massachusetts are also at high risk for West Nile virus, another form of mosquito-borne disease. Therefore, doctors recommend taking quick action in case of mosquito-borne infections.
The virus was later also found in a horse in Plymouth, further raising the risk of the same in humans. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 33% to 70% of the people infected with the same die, and most deaths occur within two to 10 days after the symptoms show. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
