Mosquito-borne diseases still a threat

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Even though summer is gone and the fall is here, it's still not cold enough to kill all of the mosquitoes just yet, which means the threat of both West Nile and EE E continues.

It could be weeks before the first frost in the Springfield area puts an end to the mosquito problems.

Temperatures have not hit freezing yet. Usually, the first hard freeze doesn't take place here in the Greater Springfield area until mid-October. But just because the temperatures are getting colder, doesn't mean the threat of mosquito borne diseases have gone away.

• Current & Future Interactive Temperature Map

A second person in the state died from Eastern equine encephalitis over the weekend, bringing the total to seven cases of EEE this summer.

On Monday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed two new West Nile virus cases, including: a Boston resident in his fifties, who's currently being hospitalized; and a Hampden County resident in his fifties, who was just recently discharged from the hospital. There has been one death from the West Nile virus this season.

• West Nile Infections: Total cases & deaths reported

As a precaution, some schools throughout the state have rescheduled all sporting events and practices, so that they take place before dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Most communities will be reevaluating the situation next week though.

Do you know the difference between West Nile Virus & EEE? Take our Quiz »