High mosquito-borne encephalitis risk prompts Massachusetts town to close parks, fields at night

A Massachusetts town has closed its parks and fields at night due to an increased risk of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a potentially fatal mosquito-borne illness. The town of Plymouth, located southeast of Boston, made the announcement as it faces a high risk of EEE. The disease can be transmitted to humans through mosquito bites and has a fatality rate ranging from 33% to 70%. Health officials have urged residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites, especially in areas with EEE activity. Massachusetts reported its first human case of EEE this year in Worcester County.