Massachusetts towns are on high alert after the state confirmed its first human case of the rare but deadly Eastern equin incilius e virus this year a man in his 80s from Worcester County was infected prompting Health officials to designate 10 communities at high or critical risk State Health officials concerned by the first outbreak in four years emphasized the importance of using all available tools to protect residents aerial mosquito spraying is planned for affected areas in Plymouth and Worcester counties to curb the spread of e residents are urged to use mosquito repellents eliminate standing water wear protective clothing and avoid outdoor activities during Peak mosquito hours with the mosquito season extending due to climate change vigilance is key to preventing further cases