In August last year, the so-called ‘Massachusetts mosquito virus’, officially known as the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus, put populations in the area on high alert – but do you need to worry about the Massachusetts deadly mosquito virus in 2025?
While there have been no reported cases of the disease so far in 2025, doctors and pest experts are urging caution around the insects as we head into summer.
Here, they explain why we should remain on alert to the risks, and share their top tips when getting rid of mosquitoes to help keep you and your household safe from EEE.
Do I need to worry about the Massachusetts mosquito virus in 2025
Although the virus is rare, it is serious and has proven to be fatal, making finding all the ways insects are entering your home and stopping them essential.
Dr. Bobbi S. Pritt is on the CAP Board of Governors and Chair of the CAP Council on Scientific Affairs. She explains, ‘Given the recent activity of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Massachusetts, residents should remain vigilant, especially as the 2025 mosquito season approaches.
'This also applies to other areas of the Northeast where the disease was reported in 2024, including NH, VT, RI, NY, and NJ. EEE has also been reported in southern and midwestern states.
‘According to the Massachusetts government, there were four human cases of EEE in Massachusetts last year. Worryingly, there were also 96 EEE-positive mosquito samples, indicating a risk to others from mosquito bites.’
How to ward off deadly mosquitoes
Keep your pool tightly covered to keep mosquitos away from the standing water.
Although there are several natural pest control methods you can use to keep mosquitoes away from your pool and home, including scents that deter mosquitoes, Dr. Pritt suggests you opt for EPA-approved sprays instead to ensure protection against the virus.
She says, ‘While the overall risk of EEE remains low, the severe nature of the disease warrants precautionary measures, especially during the mosquito season from June to October.
'People can reduce the risk of bites by using EPA-registered insect repellents when outdoors, particularly at dawn and dusk when there is increased biting activity.’
When shopping for repellent, David Price, entomologist and technical director at Mosquito Joe adds, ‘Use repellents when outside, particularly those containing 20% Picaridin.’
OFF! FamilyCare Insect Repellent available at Amazon is a fantastic example and is highly affordable at just $12 for a pack of two. Be careful how you store insect repellent in the summer heat to keep it effective.
Understanding how to identify and prevent mosquitos is essential to keeping you and your family safe.
Dr. Pritt also recommends ‘wearing protective clothing, limiting outdoor activities during peak hours of mosquito activity, eliminating mosquito breeding sites around the home – such as standing water collections – and ensuring that window and door screens are intact.’
This is especially important to keep bugs out of a bedroom when sleeping with an open window. If you do not have window screens on your home already, you can invest in some custom pre-frame screen replacements from The Home Depot.
Another great way to keep mosquitoes away from the front door and out of your home to reduce your risk of exposure to the deadly mosquito virus is to create a strong cross breeze around entrances, as well as using bug screens.
David adds, ‘Use a fan if hanging out on the porch to keep air flowing, as mosquitoes are weak fliers.’
What to shop
Zevo gives you 24/7 protection, killing 99.9% flying pests and leaving you free to enjoy your home. 50,000 people bought this kit last month, alongside 80,000 refills.
Rated Homes & Garden's best fan, the Shark Flexbreeze can be used indoors and outside to help prevent mosquitoes from entering your home or snacking on you, while keeping you cool at the same time.
This gentle 5% Picaridin insect repellent provides up to four hours of protection against mosquitoes that may carry the Zika, EEE, Dengue, or West Nile virus.
FAQs
What are the first symptoms of eastern equine encephalitis?
The first symptoms of EEE are usually a high fever, stiff neck, headache, and a lack of energy. Symptoms begin to show three to ten days after being bitten by a mosquito.
How long does eastern equine encephalitis last?
Illness associated with eastern equine encephalitis can last up to two weeks in humans, with most people affected making a full recovery, albeit with lingering fatigue and weakness. That being said, EEE can, and has, proven to be fatal to some, making mosquito prevention essential in summer to avoid this deadly virus.
Do mosquito bracelets work?
There is little to no evidence that mosquito bracelets do anything to prevent mosquito bites, and they should not be relied on as a reliable prevention tactic.
Meet the experts
As director of the Clinical Parasitology Laboratory in Mayo Clinic's Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Dr. Pritt has coordinated the development of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for multiple tick- and mosquito-borne pathogens such as Plasmodium knowlesi, Borrelia mayonii, Borrelia miyamotoi, Powassan virus and chikungunya virus.
David Price is the Entomologist and Technical Director at Mosquito Joe. David is responsible for developing technical expertise, researching and introducing new product lines and services, training current and new service personnel, and ensuring quality service in field operation practices throughout the Mosquito Joe system.
Keeping on top of some common pest control myths can also help to keep dangerous bugs such as mosquitoes out of your home and keep your family safe.
However, if you are still concerned about the EEE virus, you can find out more on the CDC website.
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