BOSTON (WHDH) - The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced Friday that laboratory testing confirmed the second case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in the Bay State.
A man between the ages of 19 and 30 from Grafton is infected with the virus, according to state health officials.
The risk level for EEE in seven communities has been raised to critical as a result.
Officials say a young goat in Bristol County has also tested positive for EEE, raising the risk to critical in three additional communities.
The first confirmed case of EEE in a man over the age of 60 from southern Plymouth County was reported last week.
The 10 communities now at critical risk are Hopkinton in Middlesex County, and Grafton, Northbridge, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Upton, and Westborough in Worcester County, in addition to Easton, Norton, and Raynham.
In total, there are 19 communities at critical risk, 18 at high risk, and 24 at moderate risk for the EEE virus.
Residents are urged to utilize insect repellent, wear protective clothing and also reduce out of doors activities between dusk and dawn, officials say.
EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages.
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