Latest news with #TrumanDickerson
Boston Globe
12 hours ago
- Health
- Boston Globe
Second mosquito with EEE found in Massachusetts
'The fact that we've only had two findings so far, and they're in different parts of the state, is a little bit encouraging,' Brown said. 'It gives us less time for amplification.' Brown said most human cases occur in August and early September. Once the weather gets cold, mosquitos die off, she said. Advertisement The state Department of Public Health currently rates Bridgewater and most of southeastern Massachusetts at 'low risk' for EEE and West Nile, Bridgewater officials said. EEE, a mosquito-borne virus, kills 30 percent of people who develop a severe case of the illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many people who survive a severe case experience ongoing neurological issues, the agency said. EEE often infects birds, which experience no symptoms. Mosquitos become infected when they bite infected birds, according to a Early symptoms in humans include high fever, stiff neck, headache, and lack of energy, according to the department. Symptoms occur three to 10 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. Advertisement There is no treatment for EEE. Patients with severe cases sometimes go into a coma within a week, the department said. The most dangerous complication of the disease is swelling of the brain, according to the department. 'Few people recover completely,' the department wrote in the fact sheet. 'People who survive this disease will often be permanently disabled.' In light of the positive test in Belchertown, officials in Easthampton this week advised residents to reduce the risk of mosquito bites by applying insect repellent, avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours — dusk and dawn — and wearing long sleeves. Additionally, officials advised residents to eliminate standing water, where mosquitos lay their eggs, from areas near their homes. 'Check rain gutters and drains,' officials said. 'Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change the water in birdbaths frequently.' Brown said officials will continue monitoring mosquito samples across the state. Truman Dickerson can be reached at
Boston Globe
14 hours ago
- Boston Globe
MBTA announces August service suspensions on Blue and Orange Lines along with commuter rail
The MBTA advised riders to budget 'an additional 20 - 30 minutes' for travel between Airport and Wonderland. Orange Line service will be suspended between Wellington and Back Bay during the weekends of August 2 and 3, August 9 and 10, and August 23 and 24, the MBTA said. From Back Bay to North Station, the MBTA encouraged riders to use parallel Green Line service from Copley to North Station. Advertisement 'The MBTA will increase Green Line service during this time to accommodate Orange Line riders,' the authority said. Free shuttle buses will replace service while crews work to 'accomplish signal upgrade work,' the MBTA said. Lowell commuter rail line service will be suspended between North Station and Lowell on the weekends of August 16 and 17 and August 23 and 24, the MBTA said. These suspensions, according to the MBTA, will begin at 'approximately 10 p.m.' on the Fridays before August 16 and 23. Free shuttle buses will run between North Station and Lowell, the MBTA said, except at Winchester Center, where riders are encouraged to board buses at Wedgemere station, the authority said. Fitchburg commuter rail line service will be suspended between North Station and Porter Square during the weekends of August 16 and 17 and August 23 and 24, the MBTA said. Advertisement Shuttle buses will not replace service, and the MBTA encouraged riders to instead travel on the Red and Green Lines. 'We thank riders for their patience as we deliver this important work and for continuing to ride our system,' the MBTA said. Truman Dickerson can be reached at
Boston Globe
3 days ago
- Health
- Boston Globe
EEE confirmed in Hampshire county, officials say
EEE, a mosquito-borne virus, kills 30 percent of people who develop a severe case of the illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many who survive a severe case experience ongoing neurological issues, the agency said. Early symptoms of EEE include a high fever, stiff neck, headache, and lack of energy, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Symptoms occur within three to 10 days following the bite of an infected mosquito, the department said. There is no treatment for EEE. Patients with severe cases sometimes go into a coma within a week, the department said. Advertisement The most dangerous complication of the disease is swelling of the brain, according to the department. 'Few people recover completely,' the department wrote in a EEE Easthampton officials advised residents to reduce the risk of mosquito bites by applying insect repellent, avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours — dusk and dawn — and wearing long sleeves. Additionally, officials advised residents to eliminate standing water from areas near their homes, as mosquitos lay their eggs in standing water. Advertisement 'Check rain gutters and drains,' Easthampton officials wrote in the press release. 'Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change the water in birdbaths frequently.' 'EEE activity in Massachusetts tends to occur in outbreak cycles,' Dr. Catherine M. Brown, Massachusetts's epidemiologist, said in a press release last week. 'When EEE is found in mosquitos at this point in the season, the risk may increase throughout the rest of the summer.' Truman Dickerson can be reached at
Boston Globe
23-07-2025
- Health
- Boston Globe
Officials detect EEE in mosquito sample in Belchertown, the state's first positive test this year
According to the CDC, approximately 30 percent of people who develop severe EEE die, and many survivors have ongoing neurologic problems. The disease is generally spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, officials said. Advertisement In 2019, 12 Officials advised residents to avoid mosquito bites by applying insect repellent, draining stagnant water, and being aware of peak mosquito hours — dusk to dawn, officials said. 'EEE activity in Massachusetts tends to occur in outbreak cycles,' said Dr. Catherine M. Brown, the state's epidemiologist. 'When EEE is found in mosquitos at this point in the season, the risk may increase throughout the rest of the summer.' Truman Dickerson can be reached at
Boston Globe
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Boston Globe
Driver killed Sunday in Concord, N.H. crash
Emergency responders freed Avery from the wreckage and brought him to a nearby hospital, authorities said. Investigators determined that Avery, who was driving an orange 1979 Volkswagen Bus, crashed into the back of a 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van as traffic slowed around them. The driver of the Mercedes-Benz was taken to the hospital for a precautionary evaluation. The southbound side of the highway was closed for approximately three hours. Advertisement Truman Dickerson can be reached at
