44°
The risk level of someone contracting EEE in Western Massachusetts and Worcester County range from remote to low, according to the most recent information from the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture Resources.
However, nearby Franklin County is starting to show signs of a surge. The communities of New Salem, Wendell, Athol, and Orange are at threat level "moderate."
The risk rank goes like this: Remote, Low, Moderate, High, and Critical.
In Plymouth County, people are experiencing a "high" risk for contracting EEE with Middleborough and Carver being ranked as “critical.”
In Massachusetts, the spread of the West Nile Virus has been more contained than EEE. Currently, Suffolk County is the only place in the state that has been ranked as a “moderate” risk level. Everywhere else the chances of contracting West Nile are “low.”
EEE, or Eastern equine encephalitis, is a rare, but serious and often fatal infection that causes encephalitis or inflammation of the brain. West Nile Virus can cause fever or encephalitis.
To reduce your risk of contracting EEE or West Nile, people are advised to wear insect repellent and avoid going out at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are at their most active. People are also asked to remove any standing water on their properties as this is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Worcester and receive free news updates.
