EEE mosquitoes found in 2 more Massachusetts towns

EEE-bearing mosquitoes have been found at dangerous levels in several southeastern Massachusetts communities, where aerial spraying has been conducted.

Associated PressIn this photo provided by the Northwest Mosquito Abatement District, lab assistant Carter Sharp sorts mosquitoes Thursday, July 26, 2012, in Wheeling, Ill., that were collected from Chicago's northwest suburbs for West Nile virus testing. Illinois already has seen at least two human West Nile virus infections this year, more than a month earlier than usual. The rate of infected mosquitoes in the state is the highest in a decade and higher than in 2002 when 67 people died. Health officials say the hot, dry weather is a factor. (AP Photo/Courtesy the Northwest Mosquito Abatement District, Michael Szyska)

BOSTON — Massachusetts health officials say they have found mammal-biting mosquitoes infected with Eastern equine encephalitis have been found in the communities of Carver and Kingston.

Health officials have raised the EEE threat level to "high" in Carver and 'moderate" in Kingston. They say the threat in Plymouth, which borders both towns, has been also been raised to "moderate."

Officials are recommending that people avoid outdoor evening events for the rest of the summer. Ground-based mosquito spraying in those towns will be stepped up.

EEE-bearing mosquitoes have been found at dangerous levels in several southeastern Massachusetts communities, where aerial spraying has been conducted.

There has been one confirmed human case of EEE this year, in a Metrowest-area resident believed to have contracted it out-of-state.

Two EEE cases were reported last year, one fatal.