Health Alert: New Hampshire Man Dies From Mosquito-Borne Brain Swelling Virus
A New Hampshire man has died after testing positive for a rare mosquito-borne virus.
Health officials in Hampstead, New Hampshire, issued a warning Tuesday after a resident died from Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV), also known as “Triple E.”
The disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, causes fever and swelling of the brain and can lead to seizures and comas, with about a third of those infected dying. It is the first human case in the state in 10 years.
The announcement comes as half of Massachusetts remains under a curfew after 10 counties issued warnings about increased virus presence.
Cities in the US are being sprayed with pesticides to deter mosquitoes, which are increasingly carrying diseases.
Anthony Fauci, the White House COVID physician, was hospitalized earlier this month with West Nile virus, which is also spread by insects.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) is transmitted to humans and other animals by mosquito bites. There is no treatment or cure
Dr. Benjamin Chan, an epidemiologist with the state of New Hampshire, warned that there is “an increased risk” of Triple E and similar conditions such as West Nile virus, which Dr. Anthony Fauci was hospitalized with earlier this summer.
“In New Hampshire, mosquitoes spread infections such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, West Nile Virus and Jamestown Canyon Virus,” said Dr. Chan.
“We believe there is an increased risk of EEEV infection in New England this year given the positive mosquito samples that have been identified. The risk will continue into the fall until a hard freeze occurs that kills the mosquitoes.”
‘Everyone should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites when outdoors.’
In addition to the unidentified victim from New Hampshire, one horse and seven groups of mosquitoes have also been infected with the virus this summer.
The CDC estimates that only 11 cases occur in humans each year in the U.S., even though the risks are serious.
A third of people infected with Triple E die. Those who recover often have physical and mental problems for the rest of their lives.
The virus circulates in the environment between mosquitoes and birds that are commonly found in freshwater marshes. People and other animals such as horses can become infected when mosquitoes feed on them. Horses cannot spread the virus.
There are no vaccines or medications to treat Triple E. The CDC recommends protecting yourself from mosquito bites with insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants.
“It is also important that residents remove standing water around their homes to reduce mosquito populations and ensure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens without gaps,” advises the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
According to the most recent data from the CDC, Wisconsin, Vermont, Massachusetts and New Jersey have each reported one human case this year.