New England – EEE Cases

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Hiking Safety

Alert

08/29/2024

Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire health officials warn of an elevated risk for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a mosquito-borne virus. EEE is a rare but serious disease that spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. While most people infected with EEE do not develop symptoms, serious complications and death can occur.

Areas of greatest risk in all three states currently do not include counties that the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) passes through. However, A.T. visitors should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites:

  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
  • Limit the amount of time you spend outdoors at dawn and dusk.
  • Use insect repellent labeled as effective against mosquitoes. Apply repellent when you are going to be outdoors, especially at dawn or dusk.

Taking these precautions is especially important in swampy, wet areas.

The risk of EEE drops off after the first hard frost date when most mosquitos are killed. First frost dates vary due to latitude and elevation, but the first hard frost date in Massachusetts typically occurs in October. In Vermont and New Hampshire, the first frost typically occurs in mid-September or early October.

Learn more about EEE and how to prevent mosquito bites on the CDC’s website.

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