Third Person Dies From EEE In Massachusetts

BOSTON (CBS) – A third person has died from Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Massachusetts.

The victim was from Hampden County in the western part of the state, according to the Department of Public Health, and is among the 10 EEE cases that have already been diagnosed this year. A DPH spokesperson said a hospital recently reported the death.

A family friend of the victim later told WBZ-TV the man was 72 years old and lived in Springfield. They believe he was bitten by an infected mosquito in Agawam.

No other information has been released about the victim.

CHECK: Map Of Communities At Risk

A Freetown man in his 70's and Fairhaven woman in her 50's have also died from the mosquito-borne virus this year.

The risk of EEE will remain until the first killing frost.