A mosquito carrying the potentially fatal eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEE) was found in Marion on Friday according to the state Department of Public Health.

Health officials said one bird biting mosquito was found in collected samples.

The virus was first detected in Marion in August. Mosquitoes carrying the disease have also been found in Rochester.

The mosquito-borne illness can cause inflammation of the brain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, though EEE is rare in humans, the mortality rate is approximately 33 percent.

There have been no human cases of West Nile virus or EEE reported this year. Last year, there was one case of EEE acquired by a Massachusetts resident. EEE is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Officials urge Marion residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites by doing the following: wear mosquito repellent and long sleeve pants and shirts when outside at peak mosquito hours (from dusk to dawn), repair window and door screens in the home, and dump standing water.

For more information, call the Marion Board of Health at 508-748-3530.