The mosquito-borne illness eastern equine encephalitis has been detected in Massachusetts for the first time this year, state health officials announced Wednesday.

The virus was detected in a mosquito sample collected on July 21 in Belchertown, the Department of Public Health said .

In a statement, Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said the positive test is a reminder for residents to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites this season.

“This is around the time we would expect to find EEE in mosquitoes in Massachusetts, especially after an active EEE season last year with four recorded human cases,” Goldstein said. “This is only a first finding and mosquito surveillance will be key to tracking any developing areas of increasing risk.”

EEE is a rare but ser

See Full Page