Eastern Equine Encephalitis Cases Prompt Curfew in Massachusetts, Four Townson High Alert
PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS – A rare and potentially fatalmosquito-borne disease, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), has prompted a curfew in Plymouth, Massachusetts, as health officials warn of a heightened risk infour other towns. The announcement comes after an 80-year-old man from Oxford, Massachusetts, was diagnosed with the virus last week, marking thefirst human case in the state since 2020.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has declared Douglas, Oxford, Sutton, and Webster as high-risk areas, urging residents to take precautionsagainst mosquito bites. The DPH is also investigating a confirmed case of EEE in a horse in Plymouth, leading to the town’s decision to implement a curfew from dusk to dawn. During this time, all outdoor public facilities will beclosed.
We are taking this threat very seriously, said Plymouth Town Manager Melissa Arrigoni. We urge residents to be vigilant and follow the guidance of public health officials to protect themselves and their families.
EEE is a serious illness that can cause severe neurological damage and even death. The virus is spreadthrough the bite of infected mosquitoes, typically those of the Culiseta melanura species. Symptoms of EEE can include headache, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures.
While EEE is rare, the DPH warns that it can be fatal, with a mortality rate of approximately 30%. The CDC reports that EEE is most common in the eastern and midwestern United States, particularly in areas with large populations of mosquitoes.
The risk of EEE is higher in areas with a lot of standing water, where mosquitoes can breed, said Dr. Catherine Brown, an infectious disease specialist at theDPH. It’s important for people to take steps to prevent mosquito bites, especially during peak mosquito activity hours.
The DPH recommends the following steps to protect against EEE:
- Use insect repellent: Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposedskin and clothing.
- Wear long sleeves and pants: Cover as much skin as possible when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito hours.
- Avoid being outdoors during peak mosquito hours: Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk.
- Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds: Remove standing water around your home, such as in flower pots, birdbaths, and clogged gutters.
- Repair screens on windows and doors: Ensure that screens are in good condition to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
The DPH is actively monitoring the situation and working with local health departments to control mosquito populations and prevent the spreadof EEE. The agency is also urging residents to report any suspected cases of EEE to their local health department.
We are working closely with our partners to protect the public health, said Dr. Brown. We encourage everyone to take the necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites and stay safe.
The recentEEE cases in Massachusetts highlight the importance of public health preparedness and the need for individuals to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito-borne illnesses. As the summer progresses, health officials urge residents to remain vigilant and follow the guidance of local authorities to minimize the risk of infection.
【source】http://www.chinanews.com/gj/2024/08-27/10275206.shtml
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