EEE Detected In Shrewsbury Mosquitoes

SHREWSBURY (CBS) - The EEE virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Shrewsbury, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced Wednesday.

Of the 3,558 mosquitoes tested, health officials found the EEE virus in 65 of them.

The risk for mosquito-borne illness has been increased from "low" to "moderate."

"EEE is a rare but serious illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito," said Derek Brindisi, Director of Public Health, in a statement. "In response to the detection of EEE the Central Mass. Mosquito Control Project will conduct a spraying this evening to reduce the number of mosquitoes in the affected area."

For information on which Shrewsbury streets will be sprayed, visit the town's website.

Health officials said that people under 15 years old and over 50 years old are at the greatest risk for contracting EEE.