The Massachusetts Department of Public Health revealed on Tuesday that the state has recorded its first human case of West Nile virus and the first animal case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). Health officials reported that a man in his 40s from Hampden County has contracted West Nile virus, while a horse in Plymouth has been diagnosed with EEE.

Adding to the concern, mosquito samples from Dedham also tested positive for EEE, leading health officials to raise the EEE risk level to high in Plymouth and low in Dedham. Carver and Middleborough are already at high risk for EEE. Furthermore, twelve other communities, including Amesbury, Groveland, Halifax, Haverhill, Kingston, Merrimac, Newburyport, Plymouth, Plympton, Salisbury, Wareham, and West Newbury, are classified as moderate risk areas.

Public health commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein emphasized that historically, the months of August and September have seen the highest exposure to West Nile virus in Massachusetts. He noted that this marks the first year with elevated EEE activity since the previous outbreak in 2019 and 2020.

Dr. Goldstein expressed concern over the large populations of mosquitoes capable of carrying and spreading these viruses throughout the state. He further stated that there has been a notable increase in the number of EEE- and WNV-positive mosquito samples.

West Nile virus is generally transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. Previous data shows that there were six human cases of West Nile virus and no animal cases in Massachusetts in 2023. On the other hand, EEE, a rare but potentially fatal disease affecting people of all ages, is primarily spread to humans through mosquito bites. In 2019, Massachusetts witnessed 12 human EEE cases with six deaths, followed by five cases with one death in 2020. However, there were no human EEE cases reported in 2021, 2022, or until now in 2024.

The confirmation of the first human case of West Nile virus and the animal case of Eastern equine encephalitis has put the state's residents on alert. Health officials continue to urge everyone, especially those living in high-risk areas, to take necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, and eliminating standing water areas where mosquitoes breed.

Efforts are being intensified to monitor and control mosquito populations, as well as to educate the public about the risks and preventive measures associated with these diseases. Massachusetts' Department of Public Health, along with various local authorities, will be working together to ensure the safety and well-being of the community as the threat of West Nile virus and EEE persists.