The spread of the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus in Massachusetts.. This rare virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, causes swelling of the brain, vomiting, and seizures in about 30% of cases, and can lead to death.

The state of Vermont, which recently joined Massachusetts, has issued stay-at-home orders at night as a precautionary measure to limit the spread of the deadly Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus.

It is worth mentioning that this rare virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and causes swelling of the brain, vomiting, and seizures in about 30% of cases, and can lead to death.

The Vermont Department of Health has recommended that citizens in the most populated areas, such as Burlington, stay in their homes between 6 PM and 6 AM, when mosquitoes are most active, according to the Daily Mail.

A total of 47 groups of mosquitoes infected with the virus have been found in 11 communities, representing a significant increase compared to last year, when only 14 groups were discovered in three cities.

This coincided with the announcement of curfews in multiple counties in Massachusetts, where many summer events, including festivals and concerts, have been postponed. It should be noted that cases of EEE have risen since the COVID-19 pandemic, although the virus remains relatively rare.

Earlier, Stephen Perry, a 41-year-old father of four, died in New Hampshire after contracting the virus, marking the first death in the state in ten years. With no vaccine or treatment for the virus, prevention remains the best way to address this health threat.

The EEE virus belongs to the family Togaviridae and the genus Alphavirus, transmitted through mosquito bites, leading to severe encephalitis in humans and horses.