Health officials have announced the third confirmed human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEE, this year.
A man over the age of 60 was exposed to the virus in northern Franklin County, according to a news release from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
The risk level for two communities in Franklin County, Heath and Colrain, has been raised to critical as a result of the exposure.
Additionally, a horse in Mendon and a horse in Uxbridge have tested positive for EEE, raising the risk level to critical in those communities in Worcester County, the department said.
“We are seeing the most intense level of EEE activity that we have in several years. The largest area is in Bristol and Plymouth Counties with a second focus of activity in parts of Worcester and Middlesex Counties,” said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel. “We are urging people across the state to remember that the peak time for transmission of mosquito-borne illness extends through September here in Massachusetts.”
Aerial spraying is planned for this weekend in areas of Worcester and Middlesex counties. Areas being added to the spray zone include Blackstone, Douglas, Dudley, Holliston, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville, Oxford, Uxbridge, and Webster.
A second round of spraying is planned in areas of Southeastern Massachusetts, the department said.
Additionally, MDAR is currently conducting a second round of aerial spraying in areas of Southeastern Massachusetts which began on Wednesday, August 21 and is expected to continue through the weekend.
Residents are encouraged to visit the DPH website for updates on spraying in their communities.
In total, Massachusetts has 23 communities at critical risk, 22 at high risk and 52 at moderate risk for EEE, the department said.
Residents are asked to use mosquito repellent. Those in high and critical risk communities are asked to consider staying indoors during the dusk to dawn hours to reduce exposure to mosquitoes.
EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease. It can affect people of all ages.
The virus has been found in 330 mosquito samples this year, the department said.