A man has died in New Hampshire after testing positive for a rare mosquito-borne virus.
Health officials in Hampstead, New Hampshire, issued a warning Tuesday after a resident died from the Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), also known as “Triple E.”
The mosquito-borne disease causes fever and brain inflammation and can lead to seizures and comas, killing about a third of those infected. It is the first human case in the state in 10 years.
The announcement comes as half of Massachusetts remains under curfew after 10 counties issued warnings of elevated virus levels.
Cities across the United States are being sprayed with pesticides to deter mosquitoes, which are increasingly carrying diseases.
White House Covid doctor Anthony Fauci was hospitalized earlier this month with West Nile virus, which is also spread by insects.
Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) is transmitted from mosquitoes to humans and other animals through bites. There is no treatment or cure.
New Hampshire state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan warned that “there is an elevated risk” for Triple E and similar conditions like West Nile virus, which hospitalized Dr. Anthony Fauci earlier this summer.
“In New Hampshire, mosquitoes transmit infections such as Eastern equine encephalitis virus, West Nile virus and Jamestown Canyon virus,” said Dr. Chan.
“We believe there is an elevated risk for ESEV infections in New England this year, given the positive mosquito samples. The risk will continue through the fall until there is a hard freeze that kills mosquitoes.”
‘Everyone should take steps to prevent mosquito bites when outdoors.’
In addition to the unidentified New Hampshire victim, one horse and seven litters of mosquitoes have been infected with the virus so far this summer.
The CDC estimates that only 11 human cases occur each year in the U.S., although the risks are serious.
One-third of people infected with Triple E die, and those who recover are often left with lifelong physical and mental difficulties.
The virus circulates in the environment among mosquitoes and birds that are commonly found in freshwater marshes. Humans and other animals, such as horses, can become infected when mosquitoes feed on them. Horses cannot transmit the virus.
There are no vaccines or medications to treat Triple E. The CDC recommends protecting yourself from mosquito bites by using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants.
“It is also important for residents to remove standing water around their homes to reduce mosquito populations and ensure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens without holes,” the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recommended.
According to the latest CDC data, Wisconsin, Vermont, Massachusetts and New Jersey have each reported one human case this year.