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First human case of electrical and electronic equipment confirmed in MA. See risk list by city

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Massachusetts authorities have confirmed the state's first human case of Eastern equine encephalomyelitis this year.

On August 16, the health department announced the first human case of the virus, a man in his 80s who contracted the virus in Worcester County.

The announcement comes after authorities confirmed earlier this summer that EEE-positive mosquitoes had been found in several Massachusetts counties, including Plymouth and Bristol counties. The first case of EEE in an animal in season was identified in a horse in Plymouth in early August.

Here you can find out which areas are at risk from electrical and electronic devices and how you can protect yourself.

Which areas of Massachusetts are at risk from electrical and electronic equipment?

Following the first confirmed human case of EEE in the state, authorities raised the risk level for the virus in parts of Worcester County to critical. Here is the full list of critical, high and moderate risk areas:

Critical risk areas for electrical and electronic equipment

  • Douglas
  • Oxford
  • Sutton
  • Webster

High-risk areas for electrical and electronic equipment

  • Carver
  • Dudley
  • Middleboro
  • North Bridge
  • Plymouth
  • Uxbridge

Medium-risk areas for electrical and electronic equipment

  • Amesbury
  • Auburn
  • Bridgewater
  • Charlton
  • Grafton
  • Groveland
  • Halifax
  • Haverhill
  • Kingston
  • Lakeville
  • Leicester
  • Mendon
  • Merrimac
  • Millbury
  • Millville
  • Newburyport
  • Plympton
  • Rochester
  • Salisbury
  • South Bridge
  • Upton
  • Wareham
  • West Newbury

How to protect yourself from the EEE virus

According to authorities, the best protection against electrical and electronic devices is to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

These include using mosquito repellents with an EPA-registered active ingredient, wearing clothing that reduces exposed skin, and avoiding outdoor activities in the evening.

According to authorities, the mosquitoes most likely to spread electrical and electronic equipment are usually active at dusk and dawn.

More: 5 of the Most Dangerous Animals to Watch Out For in Massachusetts

What is EEE or Triple E? What are the symptoms?

Triple E is a virus that is transmitted to humans when bitten by an infected mosquito.

EEE cases in humans are rare but serious—about 30% of people infected with the virus die from it, according to the CDC. Symptoms can include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral changes and drowsiness, according to the CDC.

Prior to the recent announcement, there had been no positive human case of EEE in Massachusetts since 2020.

Is waste electrical and electronic equipment contagious?

No, the virus can only be transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Both humans and horses are considered “dead-end hosts,” according to the CDC, meaning that even if they get sick, they won't transmit the virus to mosquitoes that bite them.

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