First human electrical and electronics case of the year in Worcester, Massachusetts

The first case of Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) this year was diagnosed in a man in his 80s in Worcester County who is suffering from encephalitis (swelling of the brain).

In response to this case, the risk level for electrical and electronic equipment has been raised to “critical” in Douglas, Oxford, Sutton and Webster and to “high” in Dudley, Northbridge and Uxbridge. In the neighbouring communities of Auburn, Charlton, Grafton, Leicester, Mendon, Millbury, Millville, Southbridge and Upton, the risk is now considered moderate.

“This is the first time we have seen a person infected with EEE in Massachusetts since 2020,” said Health Officer Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “EEE is a rare but serious disease and a public health concern. We want to remind residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites, especially in the areas of the state where we are seeing EEE activity.”

This news comes on the same day that the first West Nile case of the year was announced in Rhode Island. West Nile is usually less severe for humans than EEE. Up to 50% of people infected with EEE die from the disease.

Although EEE is rare, it is a serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. EEE is generally transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. In 2019, there were 12 human cases of EEE in Massachusetts, with six deaths, and in 2020, there were five human cases, with one death. There have been no human cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2021, 2022, and 2023, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health said in a statement.

“The risk from EEE is high in parts of Plymouth County and critical in parts of Worcester County,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine M. Brown. “In addition to recommending that people use mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered active ingredient and wear clothing to reduce exposed skin, we also recommend that evening outdoor events be scheduled so that they do not fall during the hours between dusk and dawn. The mosquitoes most likely to spread EEE are most active during the hours between dusk and dawn.”