New Hampshire resident dies after contracting mosquito-borne virus EEE
An individual in New Hampshire has died after contracting the japanese equine encephalitis virus.
EEE is a uncommon illness transmitted by mosquitoes; solely 11 human circumstances are reported yearly on common, in accordance with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention. A number of folks, horses and mosquitoes across the Northeast have examined constructive for the illness this summer season.
A resident of Hampstead, New Hampshire was hospitalized as a result of extreme central nervous system illness and handed away because of the sickness, in accordance with a Tuesday launch from the New Hampshire Division of Well being and Human Providers. The division declined to launch the identification or time of loss of life of the person.
“We consider there may be an elevated danger for (EEE) infections this 12 months in New England given the constructive mosquito samples recognized,” New Hampshire state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan stated within the launch. “The danger will proceed into the autumn till there’s a arduous frost that kills the (mosquitoes). Everyone ought to take steps to forestall mosquito bites when they’re outdoor.”
‘Take additional precautions’:Massachusetts cities warn about uncommon, deadly mosquito-borne virus
Officers across the Northeast urge precautions as a result of EEE danger
Whereas EEE is uncommon, roughly 30% of circumstances finish in loss of life, and lots of survivors have ongoing neurologic points, in accordance with the CDC. The virus is commonest round Japanese or Gulf Coast states, and researchers have additionally warned that local weather change is giving rise to mosquitoes as they thrive in heat, humid climate.
The CDC has recognized 4 human EEE circumstances in 2024, in Wisconsin, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Vermont. The company didn’t reply to USA TODAY’s request for up to date monitoring in mild of the New Hampshire case.
EEE has additionally been present in horses or mosquitoes in a number of different states together with Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Officers in some counties have urged residents to take precautions, and a Massachusetts city even closed public parks and fields from nightfall till daybreak.
Massachusetts’ most up-to-date outbreak started in 2019 and left six lifeless.
The way to shield your self from EEE
Japanese equine encephalitis is unfold to people by means of bites from contaminated mosquitoes. The virus could cause a fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral adjustments, and drowsiness, in accordance with the CDC.
Most individuals contaminated with japanese equine encephalitis don’t develop signs, the CDC stated. Folks of all ages are vulnerable to an infection, however folks over 50 and youthful than 15 are at biggest danger.
There is no such thing as a therapy or vaccine for EEE, however folks in high-risk areas can shield themselves by stopping mosquito bites, that are probably to occur from nightfall to daybreak. Take precautions to keep away from mosquito bites and shield towards potential publicity to the mosquito-borne sickness:
- Use insect repellent.
- Put on loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Use air-con and window screens to forestall mosquito bites indoors.
- Dump out containers of water close to your private home to remove breeding grounds.
Contributing: Mike Murphy, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, Henry Schwan, Telegram and Gazette
