NH Resident Dies Of EEE, Officials Warn Locals Of Mosquito Bites

NEW HAMPSHIRE — Health officials are warning New Hampshire resident to protect themselves against mosquito bites after a resident died of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus infection — the first human case reported in New Hampshire since 2014.

The virus, frequently shortened to EEE, is a rare but serious disease transmitted to people by infected mosquitos, according to the NH Department of Health and Human Services. In mild cases, the virus can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, and joint pain, but it can also cause severe neurological disease like inflammation of the brain and membranes around the spinal cord.

EEE has also been detected in one horse and seven mosquito batches in New Hampshire so far this summer. Nearby, there has been one human case, one equine case, and 69 positive mosquito samples in Massachussetts, and one human case and 47 positive mosquito samples in Vermont.

The last reported human EEE infection in New Hampshire was in 2014, when officials identified three human infections, including two fatalities.

Approximately one-third of all people who develop encephalitis from EEEV die from their infection, and many others experience life-long physical or mental impacts, according to officials. There is no vaccine or antiviral treatment for EEEV.

"In New Hampshire, mosquitos transmit infections including Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, West Nile Virus, and Jamestown Canyon Virus," State Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan said Tuesday. "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."

Granite State residents can prevent EEE infection by taking steps to prevent mosquito bites, including using effective mosquito repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants when outside, and avoiding outdoor activities in the early morning and evening hours when mosquitos are most active, according to officials. Residents should also remove standing water from around their homes to reduce mosquito populations and ensure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens without holes.