Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus has been found in mosquitoes in Massachusetts for the first time this year, according to a statement from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).

This discovery increases the risk level in the town of Bridgewater (where the samples were collected) to moderate. This is a routine risk level change and does not include a recommendation to avoid evening outdoor events at this this time, but lowering exposure to mosquitoes is always endorsed by the DPH.

“EEE is an annual occurrence in Massachusetts,” noted DPH State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Catherine Brown. “These were mammal-biting mosquitoes, and the findings should remind residents of the area to cover up and apply insect repellent when outdoors.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, EEE is a rare illness in humans, and only a few cases are reported in the U.S. each year. Most persons infected with EEE have no apparent illness. Severe cases of EEE start with the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills and vomiting. The illness may then advance into disorientation, seizures or coma.

There have been no human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) or EEE so far this year.