Rare Mosquito-Borne Disease Detected in Southeastern New Hampshire
A New Hampshire resident has died after contracting Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV), marking the state’s first human case of the mosquito-borne disease in nearly a decade. The victim, an adult from Hempstead, near the Massachusetts border, was hospitalized with severe central nervous system complications and succumbed to the illness, according to the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS).
Increased risk of EEEV in the Region
The tragic incident follows three reported human cases in New Hampshire in 2014, two of which were fatal. The exact timing of the recent infection remains unknown, and health officials have not disclosed further details about the deceased, including their name, age, or gender.
This summer, EEEV has also been identified in one horse and seven mosquito batches in New Hampshire, signaling a heightened risk. Neighboring Massachusetts has designated 10 communities at high or critical risk, prompting targeted mosquito control efforts.
EEEV: A rare but dangerous threat
Since 2003, EEEV cases have varied annually, with a record 38 cases across 10 states in 2019, resulting in at least 19 deaths. EEEV is a serious viral disease transmitted by mosquito bites, but it does not spread through person-to-person contact. Most people with the virus exhibit mild or no symptoms, but severe cases can lead to encephalitis or meningitis, causing brain swelling or inflammation of the brain’s membranes.
“EEEV infections pose an elevated risk this year in New England due to positive mosquito samples,” said Dr. Benjamin Chan, New Hampshire’s state epidemiologist. “The risk will persist into the fall until a hard frost kills the mosquitoes. It’s crucial for everyone to take precautions against mosquito bites.”
Prevention measures and health advisories
There is no vaccine or specific treatment for EEEV, with care limited to rest, fluids, and pain management. The New Hampshire DHHS advises residents to use mosquito repellents, wear protective clothing, avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity times, and remove standing water around homes to prevent mosquito breeding.
As of Tuesday, EEEV cases have been reported in four other states: Massachusetts, New Jersey, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
