Freetown horse dies from EEE

BOSTON  -- Massachusetts health officials are warning people to take precautions against mosquito bites after a horse in Freetown became infected with eastern equine encephalitis.

The state Department of Public Health said the horse became ill with the mosquito-borne virus over the weekend and was euthanized Monday.  It was the state's first case of EEE in a horse since 2006.

There were no human cases of EEE last year, but there were 13 cases and six deaths from 2004 to 2006.

The state's chief medical officer, Dr. Alfred DeMaria, said residents of Plymouth and Bristol counties should be particularly careful about avoiding mosquito bites.