A New Hampshire resident died after being infected with a rare mosquito-borne disease, health officials said Tuesday.
The resident, an adult from Hempstead — near the southeastern border with Massachusetts — had tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV). The patient was hospitalized due to severe central nervous system disease and died of their illness, according to an update from the state’s Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS).
This is the first reported human case of EEEV in New Hampshire in a decade after three people contracted the disease in 2014, two of whom died, DHHS said.
It’s unclear when the resident, who recently died, first became infected with EEEV. No other details were available including name, age or sex.
In addition to the person infected with EEEV, the virus has also been found in one horse and seven mosquito batches in New Hampshire so far this summer, according to the health department.
In this undated file photo, a Culex pipiens mosquito is shown.
Herbert Schwind/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images, FILE
Neighboring states have been experiencing similar threats. In Massachusetts, 10 communities were designated as being under high or critical risk of the virus, according to the state’s Department of Public Health. Many of the areas began implementing targeted mosquito spraying to protect residents.
“In New Hampshire, mosquitos transmit infections including Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, West Nile Virus, and Jamestown Canyon Virus,” Dr. Benjamin Chan, New Hampshire’s state epidemiologist, said in a statement.
“We believe there is an elevated risk for EEEV infections this year in New England given the positive mosquito samples identified. The risk will continue into the fall until there is a hard frost that kills the mosquitos. Everybody should take steps to prevent mosquito bites when they are outdoors,” the statement continued.
EEEV is a rare but serious disease that spreads by bites from infected mosquitoes. It does not spread via touching or droplets from coughing or sneezing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Most people who are infected either show mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. However, severe cases usually begin with fever, headache, chills and vomiting before progressing to encephalitis, which is swelling of the brain, or meningitis, which is swelling of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
Many survivors have ongoing neurologic problems including convulsions, paralysis and intellectual disability, and about 30% of encephalitis cases from this virus result in death.
There are no human vaccines and no treatments specifically for EEEV. The CDC says rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain medications may help relieve some symptoms.
As of Tuesday, four cases have been reported aside from the New Hampshire case — with one case each in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Vermont and Wisconsin, according to the CDC.
The New Hampshire DHHS said residents can protect themselves by using effective mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeve shirts and long pants when outside and avoiding outdoor activities when mosquitoes are the most active, including early in the morning and during evening hours.
Additionally, residents are advised to remove standing water from around their homes, which attracts mosquitoes, and to make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) is a rare but deadly mosquito-borne illness that has recently made a resurgence in the United States. In New Hampshire, the first human case of EEEV since 2014 has resulted in the tragic death of a resident.
EEEV is a virus that is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While most people who are infected with EEEV do not show any symptoms, those who do can experience severe illness that can lead to neurological complications and even death. Symptoms of EEEV can include fever, headache, chills, and muscle aches, and in severe cases, can progress to encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain.
The recent case in New Hampshire serves as a stark reminder of the importance of taking precautions to prevent mosquito bites. Residents in affected areas should take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites, such as wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours.
In addition to personal protection measures, communities can also take steps to reduce mosquito populations through mosquito control efforts. This can include eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed, such as in bird baths, flower pots, and gutters, as well as using larvicides and insecticides to target adult mosquitoes.
Health officials in New Hampshire are urging residents to be vigilant in protecting themselves from mosquito bites, especially as the peak season for EEEV transmission approaches. While the risk of contracting EEEV is low, the consequences can be severe, as evidenced by the recent death of a resident. By taking simple precautions and working together to reduce mosquito populations, we can help prevent the spread of EEEV and protect our communities from this deadly virus.
