Norfolk County Woman Died from Eastern Equine Encephalitis

A Norfolk County woman died from eastern equine encephalitis, the first human case, according to South Coast Today.

According to the report, the woman's death is the first case of the mosquito-borne disease in Massachusetts.

The woman who was in her 80s was hospitalized and died a few days later. The name and location of the woman has not been disclosed.

The state Department of Public Health is currently conducting an investigation to determine where the women was bitten by the infected mosquito and will conduct an assessment of possible EEE risk areas.

DPH Commissioner Cheryl Barlett expressed her condolences to the family and friends of the woman. She also warned residents to be extra cautious in the weeks ahead.

Barlett further stated in a prepared statement that this underscores the very serious of EEE and the need for vigilance.

Health officials said EEE is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito and is regarded to be very serious and even potentially fatal for all age groups.