Posted on 09/07/2019 8:14:57 PM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
While mosquitoes are often associated with West Nile virus, there is another mosquito-borne virus that is currently making headlines: the Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus, a rare disease that can cause inflammation in the brain (called encephalitis). It mainly affects people in parts of the Great Lakes region, along the Eastern seaboard, and the Gulf Coast.
Now, a fifth case in humans has just been confirmed in Massachusetts, and EEE activity has been detected in 10 counties there, according to the Massachusetts Department of Health.
As a result, many outdoor activities in areas of concern have been canceled or postponed, including a 5K in Medway, Massachusetts, which was scheduled for August 31.
“On Thursday, August 29th, the Department of Public Health placed Medway in a critical risk level, and soon after, the town of Medway instituted an outside activity curfew of 6 p.m.,” a spokesperson for the Medway Police Association told Runner’s World. “Due to the severity of the issue, the race organizers determined that holding the race would pose too great a risk to our runners, volunteers, sponsors, vendors and event staff.”
The event will be rescheduled for mid-to-late October, and will be announced as soon as it is finalized. Information can be found on the race website.
In the meantime, should you worry about EEE when you are about to go on a run? Here’s what you need to know. What should you know about Eastern equine encephalitis?
Like the West Nile virus, EEE is an arbovirus—arthropod-borne virus—meaning it is spread by mosquitoes. Black-legged mosquitoes circulate the EEE virus in the environment, and it’s transmitted to humans through other “bridging” mosquito species.
(Excerpt) Read more at runnersworld.com ...
I think, here in Texas, our mesquitoes have tan legs.
I lived in SE Mass until 14 years ago. The problem with insect-borne, ticks, rabies, bird diseases etc really is bad there, in the wetlands. Where I live (south of Cleveland) it’s not a problem at all, except for people who like to complain.
Thanks for posting. Health/life BUMP!
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