BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2024 AUGUST 26) – In August 2024, Dr. Anthony Fauci was hospitalized with West Nile Virus, while Massachusetts reported its first human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) since 2020. Both are mosquito-borne diseases. This article examines the risk of EEE in Blair.
EEE is a virus transmitted to humans and animals through mosquito bites. While rare, it can cause serious neurological problems. The USDA report notes that mortality rates in unvaccinated horses can approach 90 percent, making them a recognized sentinel species for human risk.
In response to this case and elevated risk levels, four Massachusetts towns – Douglas, Oxford, Sutton, and Webster – have implemented voluntary evening curfews. These curfews, starting at 6 p.m. through September 30 and at 5 p.m. from October 1 until the first hard frost, aim to reduce residents’ exposure during peak mosquito hours.
While the curfews are voluntary for residents, local school districts are enforcing them for after-school activities. This has led to some controversy, with nearly 1,000 Oxford residents signing a petition to keep sports fields open.
The CDC reports that as of 2024, human cases have also been confirmed in New Jersey and Vermont. However, the disease remains rare, with typically only a few cases reported annually in the U.S., primarily in eastern and Gulf Coast states.
These recent reports of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Massachusetts have raised concerns about mosquito-borne illnesses across the United States. For residents of Blair, Nebraska, and surrounding areas, questions about local risk are emerging. More to the point, some may wonder if “covid-style lockdowns” are ahead?
EEE Risk in Nebraska
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) report for 2021, Nebraska was not among the 16 states reporting equine EEE cases. The states that reported cases were primarily located in the eastern, southeastern, and Great Lakes regions of the country.
Recent Data
As of 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports human cases have been confirmed in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Vermont. Nebraska is not currently listed among the states where EEE has been found in humans or animals.
Prevention Measures
Although the risk in Nebraska appears low, health officials recommend taking precautions against mosquito bites, especially during peak hours from dusk to dawn. Prevention measures include:
- Using EPA-approved insect repellents
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors
- Eliminating standing water around homes where mosquitoes can breed
- Ensuring window and door screens are in good condition
While EEE cases have not been reported in Nebraska, residents should remain vigilant about mosquito-borne illnesses. There is currently no human vaccine for EEE, making prevention crucial. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates if any changes in risk levels occur.
For the most current information on mosquito-borne illnesses in Nebraska, residents are encouraged to visit the Nebraska DHHS website or consult with local health departments.
