A coastal town in Massachusetts, Plymouth, is closing parks, playgrounds, and fields from dusk to dawn due to the mosquito-borne Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus. The precautionary measure, effective Aug. 23, follows state health officials reporting a rare human case of EEE in Worcester County, the first since 2020.With Plymouth’s EEE risk now classified as high, residents are urged to follow health guidelines from the Massachusetts Department of Health (DPH) to avoid mosquito exposure. Worcester and Plymouth counties will also undergo mosquito spraying starting Aug. 24.

EEE, though rare, is severe, with a 33-70% fatality rate and symptoms like fever, headache, and encephalitis. There are no specific vaccines or treatments for EEE, making prevention crucial. Recommendations include avoiding mosquito bites, wearing protective clothing, using EPA-approved repellents, and eliminating standing water.Towns like Douglas, Oxford, Sutton, and Webster in Massachusetts have also raised their EEE risk levels to “critical.”