There are 51 different kinds of mosquitoes that have been found in Massachusetts and mosquitoes are usually found in damp, shady areas. Some mosquitoes carry germs that can make people and animals sick when they bite. In Massachusetts, the diseases linked to mosquitoes are West Nile Virus (WNV) and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
Quick facts about EEE
- EEE is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
- EEE symptoms begin 3 to 10 days after a bite from an infected mosquito.
- EEE is very rare, in 88 years, there have been just 115 cases.
West Nile Virus (WNV)
Quick facts about WNV
- WNV is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, but can also be spread through blood transfusion or organ transplant.
- Majority of people with WNV will have no symptoms.
- Approximately 20% of people infected with WNV will develop mild symptoms.
- Less than 1% of people infected with WNV will develop severe symptoms. Persons older than 50 years of age have a higher risk of developing severe illness.