Four confirmed cases of the Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEE) have been reported in Massachusetts since January 1, 2024. Concord has moved from a low-risk area to a high-risk area. If the town continues to move up in risk, more serious protocols will need to be taken.
EEE is a virus spread through a bite of an infected mosquito. It is caused by a virus that originates in North America and the Caribbean. Mosquitoes become infected after they bite an infected bird. The disease is most commonly found in freshwater hardwood swamps, where there are lots of birds and mosquitos. Most cases have occurred in eastern/gulf states. Humans and some animals, including horses, are prone to diseases caused by mosquito bites. However, they are considered ‘dead end hosts’ as they cannot spread the virus.
Neighboring towns such as Acton and Carlisle are high-risk areas and strongly encourage concluding outdoor activities before peak mosquito hours, from 6 PM to 6 AM. Two groups of female mosquitos, mosquito pools, in Concord have tested positive meaning the mosquitos carry EEE; The areas in which these mosquitos reside are being sprayed.
The EEE Virus is extremely rare, as only 115 cases have been reported since 1938 in total. However, the disease is extremely dangerous. Those who develop severe EEE have a 30% chance of death, and most survivors have ongoing neurologic problems or develop febrile illness. Most with non-severe EEE do not develop serious symptoms. Those who do can expect it to last for about 4-10 days. Symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral changes, and drowsiness, for both severe and non-severe cases.
No known vaccines or cures exist for EEE. However, there are many things that people can do to protect themselves from being at risk. These include wearing insect repellent at all times, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, removing standing water that attracts mosquitoes, and installing or repairing damaged window screens, to name a few.
The disease affects people of all ages, however, anyone ages 15 or below is especially at risk. Concord Academy student Jocelyn Bullard ’28 stated, “I’d say I’m slightly concerned because I know how dangerous it is, but I also know how unlikely it is to get it.” When asked about concerns of the Virus turning into a global pandemic, Maura Shapiro ’28 said, “I am a little worried we’ll have another pandemic but it seems very unlikely.”