BOSTON (WWLP) - Massachusetts health officials report a third case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in a horse this year.  According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), the horse was exposed in Carver, an area already at high risk for EEE. 4th case of human EEE reported in Massachusetts There have been 96 EEE-positive mosquito samples in Massachusetts this year, found in Barnstable, Bristol, Essex, Norfolk, Middlesex, Plymouth, and Worcester counties. Statewide, this year there have been four human cases of EEE. DPH says that while rare, EEE is a serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages and is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. In 2019-2020 there were 17 human cases with seven deaths and nine animal cases (eight horses and one goat). There were no human or animal cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2021, 2022, or 2023. “This latest animal case of EEE confirms that even this late in the season, the risk for spread of EEE virus from infected mosquitoes is still present,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “With more people going outside to enjoy the mild fall weather, we continue to recommend that residents take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites until the first hard frost.” “Cooler temperatures will start to reduce mosquito activity, but people shouldn’t let their guard down yet,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine M. Brown. “We continue to strongly advise that everyone in areas at high and critical risk for EEE reschedule evening outdoor activities to avoid peak mosquito biting hours.” People are reminded to take precautions to prevent being bitted by mosquitoes by wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outside, using insect repellant, and limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. More information can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at mosquito-borne diseases, which is updated daily, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800. Local News Headlines PHOTOS: Police looking for attempted ATM card skimmer suspect in North Adams The Paramount Theater has been sold to an unidentified buyer September has been a very dry month Local senator calls for updated wiretap laws WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.