Deadly Mosquito Virus Spreads in Massachusetts

Mosquito viruses with a mortality rate of up to 70 percent have been discovered in Massachusetts, USA.
Public places and parks are now closed to reduce the spread of the disease.
But the risk of it reaching Sweden is “very small”.
– It is not enough to import an infected horse.State epidemiologist Magnus Gislin at the Public Health Agency says.

Officials say 10 communities in Massachusetts have been affected by equine encephalitis, which is spread by mosquito bites. BBC.

Public places are closed at night to limit outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most active.

Mortality rate 30 to 70 percent

The mortality rate among infected people is about 30 to 70 percent. Most die within two to 10 days of the first symptoms, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Public Health.

Symptoms of the virus include diarrhea, fever, headache, cramps, and vomiting.

The virus was first diagnosed in a horse in Plymouth, raising the city's risk level to high. On August 16, a man in his 80s was diagnosed.

“It is a rare but serious disease and a public health concern. We want to remind the public to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” said Ruby Goldstein, MD, an infectious disease physician in Massachusetts, in a statement.

“We'll have to import a horse.”

But there is no need to worry about it reaching Sweden, says state epidemiologist Magnus Gislen at the Public Health Agency.

– It is not enough to import an infected horse, as the specific mosquito required does not exist in Sweden, says Gislin, which makes the risk very small.

He adds: “You can never say never.”

The mortality rate is high, but Magnus Gislin believes there are other problems.

– Those who survive often have significant and persistent cognitive and neurological problems.

This is not the first outbreak of the virus in Massachusetts. In 2019 and 2020, 17 human cases and seven deaths were reported.