TROUBLING

Two More Deaths From Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Reported in Connecticut, Massachusetts

Health officials are urging residents to protect themselves against the brain-swelling virus after several people nationwide have died.

Officials in Connecticut and Massachusetts say two more people have died from Eastern equine encephalitis, the mosquito-borne brain-swelling virus that has been spreading across parts of the U.S. Just days after Connecticut announced it had registered its first death from EEE, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz announced at a press conference Tuesday that a second person had died from the virus. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health also announced it had been informed of three fatalities from EEE. The current outbreak has health officials from Michigan to Rhode Island urging residents to protect themselves against the insects in affected areas. In addition, some schools have rescheduled early evening outdoor sports practices and events.