What is Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE)?
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus. The virus infects birds that live in freshwater swamps and is spread from bird to bird by infected mosquitoes. If a mosquito infected with the virus bites a horse or human, the animal or person can become sick. The risk of getting EEE is typically highest from late July through early September. Q 2: Is EEE a serious health problem? EEE can cause severe illness in any age group, however, people under age 15 are at particular risk. The mortality rate for humans who contract EEE is high and survivors often suffer severe neurological damage. Q 3: Have any Massachusetts residents been diagnosed with EEE this year? As of August 1, 2006, there have been no reported human cases of EEE in Massachusetts. However, because positive EEE mosquito pools have been found in human biting mosquitoes and infection of a horse in the same area has been identified, there is a higher risk of human cases. Q 4: Where have positiv
