HAMPSTEAD, N.H. – A 41-year-old man from Hampstead, New Hampshire, has died after contracting a mosquito-borne virus known as Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Family members have identified the man as 41-year-old Steven Perry.
Perry's family told WBZ that he was in good health and had no underlying health conditions. He was hospitalized with a severe central nervous system disorder and died within a week.
“Stephen had an adventurous spirit, lived a full life and was happiest spending time with his family, who meant everything to him,” his family wrote in his obituary.
Perry's sister told WBZ that Perry was funny, bright, smart and driven.
Steven Perry, 41, of New Hampshire, died from Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Family photo
According to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, the last time a case of EEE was reported in New Hampshire was in 2014. That year, three people were infected and two died.
So far this summer, EEE has been found in one horse and seven mosquitoes in New Hampshire.
State health officials call EEE a “rare but serious” disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes.
“In New Hampshire, mosquitoes transmit diseases including Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, West Nile Virus and Jamestown Canyon Virus,” state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chang said in a statement. “Based on the positive mosquito samples, we believe there is an increased risk of EEEV transmission in New England this year. The risk will continue into the fall until we have a severe frost that will kill mosquitoes. Everyone should take steps to prevent mosquito bites when outdoors.”
Massachusetts EEE Diagnostics
Massachusetts is also grappling with an EEE problem, announcing earlier this month that a man in his 80s from Oxford had been diagnosed with EEE, the first case in Massachusetts since 2020.
Massachusetts reported 12 cases of EEE and six deaths in 2019. In 2020, there have been five cases, including one death.
The Oxford Health Board has approved a citywide curfew that will see activity finish before sunset to avoid the most active mosquito seasons, and Plymouth has also decided to close parks and fields from dusk to dawn after the city's EEE risk rose to “high.”
Several Massachusetts counties have begun spraying chemicals to eradicate mosquitoes.
Massachusetts health officials announced two new cases of West Nile virus in the state on Tuesday, bringing the total this year to four. One was in Suffolk County and the other in Norfolk County. West Nile virus is carried by mosquitoes and can be transmitted to humans.
The following towns have been designated high risk for WNV: Boston, Cambridge, Everett, Medford, Newton, Somerville, Watertown, Brookline, Milton and Quincy.
What is EEE?
Health officials said EEE can cause flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills and muscle and joint pain.
The disease can also cause inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord.
About a third of people who develop EEE die from the infection, while New Hampshire health officials said many others may experience lifelong physical or mental effects.
Currently, there is no vaccine or antiviral treatment for EEE.
The threat of EEE usually eases after the first frost.
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Matt Schooley
