3rd human case of EEE confirmed in Massachusetts this year

BOSTON (AP) — Public health officials say a third human case of the potentially deadly mosquito-borne virus eastern equine encephalitis has been confirmed in Massachusetts.

The state Public Health Department said Friday the latest case was confirmed in a man over 60 who was exposed to the virus in Franklin County.

The risk level in the Franklin County communities of Heath and Colrain has been raised to critical as a result. A horse from Mendon and a horse from Uxbridge have also tested positive for EEE, raising the risk level to critical in those towns.

Earlier this month, a Plymouth County man became the first Massachusetts resident to test positive for EEE since 2013.

Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel says the state is seeing “the most intense level of EEE activity” in years.