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Rare Mosquito Disease : The last reported human EEEV infection in New Hampshire was in 2014
Rare Mosquito Disease : The department reported that the last human infection of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) in New Hampshire was in 2014, when three cases were identified resulting in two fatalities.
Health authorities have announced that a person in New Hampshire a northeastern US state, has died after contracting the extremely rare mosquito-borne Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus.
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) stated that the patient, an adult from Hampstead, was hospitalized with severe central nervous system disease caused by Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Despite medical treatment, the individual ultimately succumbed to the illness.
The department stated that the most recent human infection of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) in New Hampshire was in 2014, when DHHS reported three cases, including two fatalities.
The new infection and death have heightened concerns among state officials throughout New England about the growing risk of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
Officials believe that climate change is contributing to this increased threat, amplifying the risk of mosquito-borne diseases in the region.
Earlier this month, Massachusetts reported its first human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) for the year, involving a man in his 80s.
In response, state officials have urged the public to adhere to voluntary outdoor curfews, closed public parks, and implemented both aerial and ground spraying to control the mosquito population. These measures are part of a broader effort to manage the risk of EEE and protect public health.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists symptoms of Eastern Equine Encephalitis as fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral changes, and drowsiness.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis can lead to severe neurological conditions, including inflammation of the brain and the membranes surrounding the spinal cord, which are known as encephalitis and meningitis.
Approximately 30 percent of those infected with Eastern Equine Encephalitis die, and many survivors face long-term physical or mental effects. The disease poses a higher risk to individuals under 15 and over 50, who are more vulnerable to severe outcomes.
Currently, there are no available vaccines or treatments for the disease.
Health officials recommend using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing outdoors, and removing standing water around homes to decrease mosquito breeding sites.
A 2023 report from Climate Central noted that the number of “mosquito days”—warm, humid conditions that are ideal for mosquito activity—has risen significantly across much of the U.S. over the past four decades. This increase is attributed to human-caused climate change, which has contributed to more favorable conditions for mosquitoes to thrive.
The most effective way to prevent the virus is by avoiding mosquito bites, which can be achieved by wearing protective clothing that covers the body and reducing exposure. Although Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is rare, with an average of only 11 human cases reported annually in the U.S. according to the CDC, vigilance is important. Recently a man in his 80s from Worcester, New England was infected with EEE earlier this month.
What is Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus?
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a virus transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once the virus enters the body it targets the immune system and can cause inflammation in the brain, potentially affecting brain function and nerve activity. The infection cycle begins when certain types of mosquitoes bite and feed on birds that carry the EEE virus.
These mosquitoes become infected and in turn can transmit the virus to humans and other animals through their bites. The birds themselves acquire the infection from being bitten by other mosquitoes that are already infected with the virus. This complex transmission cycle between mosquitoes and birds facilitates the spread of EEE, making it crucial to take preventive measures against mosquito bites to reduce the risk of infection.
Which age group is more at risk?
Individuals over 50 and under 15 are at the highest risk for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Viral infections often peak during the summer months and are more likely to affect people living near fresh water bodies, swamps, or coastal areas.
Rare Mosquito Disease : Symptoms of EEE
Not everyone infected with the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus will display symptoms.
However those who do may experience chills, high fever, joint pain, and muscle pain. More severe symptoms can include confusion, diarrhea, headaches, drowsiness, extremely high fever (above 104 degrees Fahrenheit), loss of appetite, and vomiting.
EEE can also lead to serious complications such as permanent brain damage, changes in behavior, intellectual impairment, seizures, paralysis, and coma. These severe effects highlight the importance of taking precautions
How to protect yourself from EEE
Anyone bitten by a mosquito carrying the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus is at risk of developing the disease. However, health officials indicate that the risk is highest for individuals who live in or near wooded areas, work outdoors, engage in outdoor recreational activities.
Use insect repellents containing DEET or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved ingredients on exposed skin and clothing, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants outdoors, and apply repellent to your clothing to further prevent mosquito bites. Ensure that window and door screens are intact to keep mosquitoes out. Remove standing water from potential mosquito breeding sites around your home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, and old tires. Additionally, use nets or fans over outdoor dining areas to keep mosquitoes away.
Eastern equine encephalitis in animals
According to the MDHHS, six horses in Barry, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph counties have been confirmed with Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Additionally, two deer in Barry and Cass counties have also been diagnosed with the virus.
While there is a vaccine available for horses, there is no vaccine for humans. EEE has a 90% fatality rate in horses that contract the illness. None of the six horses with confirmed EEE cases had been vaccinated, and all have died.
The situation underscores the importance of vaccination for horses and highlights the continued risk of EEE in both animals and people.
Other Rare Mosquito-Borne Diseases
In addition to Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) the MDHHS has confirmed one case of California encephalitis virus in a resident of Genesee County. State health officials have also reported an increase in West Nile Virus among wildlife and mosquito populations. This year, 18 mosquito pools and eight infected birds have been identified with the virus in the Lower Peninsula.
No human cases of West Nile Virus have been reported. Mosquito-borne illnesses will continue to pose a risk in Michigan until late fall, when nighttime temperatures consistently fall below freezing. During this period mosquitoes remain active due to warmer conditions, making it essential for residents to remain vigilant with prevention measures to reduce their exposure to these diseases.