Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus that can affect people of all ages, and is generally spread to humans through the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus.

Several cities and towns in the Commonwealth are currently at high or critical risk because conditions indicate residents may be exposed to mosquitos infected with the Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus.

Mosquito control activities are continuing across the state to reduce public health risk from EEE, including local coordination regarding enhanced ground and truck spraying and ongoing monitoring of mosquito samples by DPH.

As a reminder, ground spraying is planned and carried out by local communities and mosquito control projects and districts. To learn more about ground spraying in your area, contact your local board of health or your area’s local mosquito control project or district.

It remains essential that individuals take personal precautions against mosquito bites. These steps include using EPA-approved bug spray, wearing long sleeves and pants outdoors to reduce exposed skin, and cancelling outdoor activities in the hours from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

The Mass Department of Public Health’s EEE website hosts several helpful resources:

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended cancellation times for outdoor activities
A community EEE risk map that shows the cities and towns which are currently at critical, high and moderate risk. The site is updated on an ongoing basis as risk levels change.
Contact information for local mosquito control projects

As always, please contact my office at 617-722-1500 or Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov if you have questions or need assistance. In the meantime, please take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites--this is your best defense against EEE!

Learn More About EEE in Massachusetts