a Massachusetts is facing a growing concern over the spread of Eastern equin and sephtis that is EE a rare but deadly mosquito born virus the town of Plymouth located about 40 Mi southeast of Boston has taken Swift action by closing its Municipal parks and Fields to nighttime visitors this decision was made in response to an increased risk of EE which was recently detected in a horse exposed in Plymouth the town's ee risk level has now been elevated to high leading local officials to prioritize Public Safety by limiting exposure to mosquitoes during Peak activity hours Eastern equin enalis is a serious Public Health threat with a fatality rate ranging from 33% to 70% in humans according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health deaths typically occur within 2 to 10 days after symptoms begin the virus is transmitted through mosquito bites and those who survive an infection often suffer from long-term neurological problems the Centers for Disease Control and prevention that is CDC reports that ee is extremely rare with an average of only 11 human cases annually in the United States however Massachusetts experienced a significant outbreak between between 2019 and 2020 resulting in 17 cases and seven deaths the first human case of ee in Massachusetts since 2020 was reported on August 16th 2024 when an 80-year-old man in Worcester County contracted the virus this has led State Health officials to raise the risk levels in nearby communities and to issue warnings to Residents about the dangers of mosquito bites in response to the increased risk the Massachusetts Department of agricultural resources has announced plans for aerial and truck mounted mosquito spraying in affected areas including parts of Plymouth and Worcester counties to further protect the public several towns in Massachusetts have implemented or recommended curfews on outdoor activities during evening and nighttime hours these curfews are based on the fact that mosquitoes most likely to spread ee are most active From Dusk to Dawn State Health experts strongly advise residents to use mosquito repellent wear protective clothing and avoid outdoor activities during these hours in addition to the ee threat Massachusetts Health officials have also reported that at least eight municipalities including Boston are now considered to be at high risk for West Nile Virus another mosquito born illness the recent hospitalization of Dr Anthony fouchy with West Nile Virus further underscores the need for vigilance as the situation develops Massachusetts residents are urged to stay informed about the latest Public Health advisories and to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their communities from these dangerous viruses stay subscribed for more videos