Concerns over the potentially lethal mosquito-borne virus in Massachusetts by 2025 prompt warnings from doctors, who advise precautions to secure your household's safety this summer.
**Current Status of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Massachusetts, 2025**
As of mid-July 2025, Massachusetts has yet to report any human cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). However, national data indicate that EEE activity involving non-human entities has been reported, though specific details for Massachusetts remain undisclosed. In 2024, the state saw four human cases and three animal cases of EEE, all in horses.
**Precautions for EEE in Massachusetts**
With the mosquito season approaching, authorities are urging caution against mosquitoes. To prevent mosquito-borne illnesses like EEE, residents can take several precautions.
Firstly, apply DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or other EPA-registered mosquito repellents when outdoors, particularly during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Secondly, minimise outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours and wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks when outdoors.
Thirdly, eliminate standing water around homes to prevent mosquito breeding. This is also effective in preventing other mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile Virus (WNV), for which animal cases have been reported in Massachusetts in 2025.
Creating a strong cross breeze around entrances can also help keep mosquitoes away from the home. Ensuring that window and door screens are intact and using bug screens can help keep mosquitoes out of the home. Using a fan can help deter mosquitoes while outdoors, particularly on porches.
Repellents containing 20% Picaridin are recommended. A pump spray with 5% Picaridin provides up to four hours of protection against mosquitoes carrying various viruses.
**Understanding EEE**
The EEE virus is rare but serious, and can be fatal. First symptoms of EEE include high fever, stiff neck, headache, and lack of energy, showing 3-10 days after being bitten by a mosquito.
It is important to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around the home to prevent the spread of EEE. Mosquito bracelets are not effective in preventing mosquito bites.
**Expert Advice**
Dr. Pritt, the director of the Clinical Parasitology Laboratory in Mayo Clinic's Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, emphasises the importance of these precautions. David Price, an Associate Certified Entomologist and the vice president of strategic growth at Mosquito Joe, who has been working in the pest management industry for over 27 years, also urges caution.
For affordable insect repellent options, consider OFF! FamilyCare Insect Repellent, available at Amazon. For 24/7 protection against flying pests, Zevo starter kit provides 99.9% protection.
Stay vigilant and protect yourself this mosquito season in Massachusetts.
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