Community Corner

EEE Risk Level Raised to "Moderate" in Stoughton

The EEE risk level in Stoughton has been raised to "moderate," according to a release from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, after mammal-biting mosquitoes infected with Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) were detected in several surrounding communities, including Easton.

As a result of raising the EEE risk in town to "moderate," the Stoughton schools announced that "all Stoughton High School practices will end by 5:30 p.m. until further notice."


EEE risk levels are classified as remote, low, moderate, high or critical.

Stoughton, along with Sharon, Norton, Mansfield, Dighton and Berkley all had their risk levels raised to "moderate," while the communities where mammal-biting mosquitoes infected with EEE were detected - Easton, Raynham, Taunton and West Bridgewater - were raised to "high."

The DPH urges communities designated as “high” to curtail planned evening outdoor events for the remainder of the mosquito season, according to the release.

“We are seeing EEE activity in mosquitoes in scattered locations, including in several mammal-biting species, so it remains very important for people to take precautions to avoid getting bit,” DPH Public Health Veterinarian Catherine Brown said in the release. “People need to continue to use insect repellent, cover up exposed skin, and avoid being outdoors at dusk and after nightfall when mosquitoes are at their most active in the highest risk areas.”

"EEE is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito," according to the DPH. "EEE is a serious disease in all ages and can cause death."

According to the DPH:

There has been one confirmed human case of EEE in a Massachusetts resident this year. In 2012, there were seven cases in humans of EEE in Massachusetts. EEE is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. EEE is a serious disease in all ages and can cause death.

The first symptoms of EEE are fever (often 103º to 106ºF), stiff neck, headache, and lack of energy. These symptoms show up three to ten days after a bite from an infected mosquito. Inflammation and swelling of the brain, called encephalitis, is the most dangerous and common serious complication. The disease generally worsens quickly, and some patients may go into a coma within a week.

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