Veterinarians are warning of the continuing threat of eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile disease as mosquitoes carrying the viruses are being trapped in several states.
Because of weather changes and a prolonged hurricane and rainy season coupled with warmer weather in some areas, mosquitoes are more active this year.
The lingering danger of mosquito-borne illness is evident in the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's reporting of three cases of human illness in three days — including a suspected case of EEE announced Friday and confirmed West Nile cases Monday and Tuesday.
So far, at least 28 cases of West Nile disease have been reported in far-flung states from California to New Jersey, to Virginia, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania.
Although no human cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis have been confirmed to date, an emu in Vermont tested positive for the disease last week.