A New Hampshire resident has died after contracting the mosquito-borne virus EEE, the state’s department of health said Tuesday.
The resident, identified only as an adult from Hempstead, is the first reported human case of eastern equine encephalitis in the state since 2014. Three people contracted the disease that year, two of whom died.
The health department said it found seven batches of mosquitos with the infection this summer. A horse was also infected.
“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.
EEE is rare but serious illness transmitted through bites, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Most infections occur without symptoms appearing, but severe cases start with fever, headache, chills and vomiting before progressing to brain (encephalitis) or spinal (meningitis) swelling. Survivors can be permanently debilitated, with convulsions, paralysis and other neurological issues.
There are no specific treatments for the infection, but rest, fluids and pain relievers can ease symptoms.
Non-fatal cases have also been reported in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Vermont and Wisconsin this summer, the CDC said.
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