EEE threat level raised to critical in central Mass.

BOSTON (WHDH) -- EEE concerns are putting a damper on some late summer fun for people in central Massachusetts.

A girl from Athol is the third confirmed case of eastern equine encephalitis in the state.

It's forcing town officials there to raise the threat level to critical and ban all outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.

The same curfew has been ordered for people in Orange and Royalston.

Health experts said it’s important to stay vigilant against bug bites no matter what time of day.

“Mosquitoes don’t have an alarm clock they come out before dusk and stay out after dawn,” said Joan Hamlett of the Athol Health Department.

EEE is preventable by reducing your time outdoors after dark, wearing bug spray, and keeping skin covered.

Wednesday night there will be a spraying in Methuen.