Fourth Case of EEE Reported in Massachusetts

BOSTON — Public health officials in Massachusetts have announced the state's fourth human case of the mosquito-borne disease eastern equine encephalitis this season.

The latest case is a woman in her 60s who was exposed to the disease in Plymouth County.

The state said Friday as a result, the risk level in the town of Plymouth been raised to high.

There are now four communities in the state at critical risk, 10 at high risk, and 18 at moderate risk for the disease that causes brain swelling and is potentially deadly.

In 2019, there were 12 human cases in Massachusetts and six deaths.