Elderly Weymouth Woman Dies Of EEE

WEYMOUTH (CBS) ---- The EEE virus has claimed the life of an 85-year-old Weymouth woman.

Related: Communities Take Precautions

WBZ-TV has confirmed Janet Dignan died after contracting the virus from an infected mosquito.

Dignan's obituary says she died suddenly on Friday.

Dignan had lived in Weymouth for 59 years and leaves four sons. She had worked for more than 20 years for the financial firm Standish Ayer & Wood in Boston.

"She was a wonderful lady, so full of life and energy, " said her friend Jean Gibbons.

Even though the Department of Public Health can't be sure Dignan was infected with encephalitis in Weymouth, extra precautions are being taken.

The town of Weymouth has now elevated its risk status to high.

"We don't know if Mrs. Dignan was bitten by a mosquito here, but we're going to proceed with caution," said Mayor Sue Kay.

The town's schools have ordered all outdoor activities by students be finished by dusk.

Guide: Ways To Protect Yourself From West Nile & EEE

Spraying in scheduled for Weymouth Wednesday and Thursday evening.

Weymouth Health Department tells WBZ-TV, Dignan also spent time in Whitman in Plymouth County and It's possible she was infected there.

The state's department of public health wants everyone to avoid mosquito bites as best they can by avoiding standing water and staying inside at dusk and dawn.

Weymouth's health agent says all precautions are being taken.

"Sadly, it's a sign of the times," said San McCormack.