The Massachusetts Department of Health has classified Georgetown at a “critical risk” for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a rare but serious viral disease. According to an announcement on the Georgetown website, a horse tested positive for EEE earlier this week and later died.
Mosquito bites - threat to horse and human health
The death of a horse confirmed to have Eastern Equine Encephalitis has lead the Massachusetts Dept. of Health to declare the area "critical risk" for mosquito-borne diseases.
The Georgetown Board of Health said residents should be aware and protect themselves from mosquitoes. The insects are typically the carriers of the virus along with other illnesses such as West Nile virus. EEE is a serious disease for humans of all ages and can even cause death.
As a result, the EEE threat level was raised to critical in Georgetown and high in Newbury, Rowley, West Newbury, Groveland and Boxford, according to the state Department of Public Health and spraying led town and state officials to recommend all outdoor activity either be canceled, postponed or moved indoors from dusk to dawn for one night only.
Georgetown has sprayed insecticide to control mosquito populations throughout the summer and plans to continue doing so until the end of the season.
The Department of Health strongly recommends that evening outdoor events are curtailed in communities with elevated threat levels for the remainder of the mosquito season.