The rare and sometimes fatal virus comes from a bite from an infected mosquito. © KEN BLEVINS/ STARNEWS / USA TODAY NETWORK
(Worcester, MA) – A resident in Oxford, Massachusetts is fighting for his life after contracting a rare but deadly disease linked to mosquito bites. Four other towns, including Plymouth, Douglas, Sutton and Webster are limiting outdoor activities after 6PM to avoid any other human cases of eastern equine encephalitis. The 80 year old man that is sick is the first human case of the rare disease in Massachusetts since 2020. The disease varies in human fatality rate from 33% to 70% according to the state’s Department of Public Health. Even those that overcome the virus may suffer long term health effects.
The state plans on spraying for mosquitoes across affected areas that have been labeled high-risk. Health officials are urging people to remain indoors after 6 p.m. until October, then the curfew is pushed earlier to 5 p.m. until the first frost of the season. Experts also warn people across the state and surrounding region to wear mosquito repellent.
