Mass. Reports First Positive EEE Test

State health authorities say a mosquito in southeastern Massachusetts has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, the first positive test for EEE this year.

There have been no human cases of EEE this year, although Department of Public Health veterinarian Dr. Catherine Brown said the virus could become a greater threat later this summer.

"At some point, we are likely to see enough virus that it will start occurring in mosquitos that are more likely to bite mammals," Brown said.

The potentially fatal virus can cause brain-swelling. There was one human case of EEE last year, but no fatalities.

Health officials are bracing for more mosquito-borne disease this year after unseasonably heavy rains.