Health Experts Warn About New England Mosquito Virus

Health experts in Southern New England are warning people about Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), also called Triple E. This rare but very dangerous illness is spread by mosquitoes. While not many people get it, those who do can get very sick. Unfortunately, there’s no specific cure for EEE.

Understanding Triple E

A health official explained, “EEE is a virus that mosquitoes carry. It rarely makes people sick, but when it does, it’s very serious. We can’t cure it, so we can only try to help sick people feel better, but sometimes people die from it.”

Richard A. Pittman VA Clinic Opens in French Camp, Enhancing Veteran Healthcare

Where It’s Found

EEE is known to exist in parts of Southern New England, including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. It’s often found in areas that used to be swamps, where mosquitoes that carry the virus like to live.

“We don’t see Triple E every year in Massachusetts,” the official said. “It usually happens every few years. Our last outbreak was in 2019 and 2020.”

Growing Concerns

In the last ten years, health experts have noticed EEE showing up in new places. They think this might be because of climate change.

The official explained, “We’re seeing Triple E in new areas, and we’re worried about why. Climate change might be part of it, with warmer weather, changes in bird travel, and different rain patterns all playing a role.”

Staying Safe

As Southern New England prepares for possible outbreaks, health experts are telling people how to stay safe. They suggest using

• Bug spray.
• Wearing long clothes,

And staying inside when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dawn and dusk.

Health officials are also working hard to keep track of EEE and tell people about it quickly to help keep everyone safe.

Wrapping Up

Even though EEE is rare, it’s very serious and has no cure. This makes it important for everyone to be careful and take steps to avoid mosquito bites.

By understanding how the environment is changing and staying informed, people in Southern New England can better protect themselves and their families from this dangerous illness.