A New Hampshire man has died from Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a rare but deadly virus spread by mosquitoes, the state's health department announced Tuesday.
This is the first death from EEE reported in the United States so far this year. The man, 41-year-old Steven Perry, was “hospitalized with severe central nervous system symptoms,” according to his family, according to New Hampshire health officials.
Perry had no underlying health conditions and was in good health, her family told NBC10 Boston, but her illness progressed quickly.
This is the fifth case this year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cases of EEE have been reported in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Vermont and Wisconsin.
Mosquito activity peaks in August and September (USArterra / Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The country is in the middle of mosquito season, as mosquitoes tend to be most active in August and September.
“The risk will continue until hard frosts arrive in the fall and kill off mosquitoes,” New Hampshire state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chang said in a news release Tuesday.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced it would begin spraying insecticides this week after a man in his 80s was diagnosed with EEE, and several Massachusetts towns have announced they will close public parks from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
Many people with EEE have no symptoms, but some may experience symptoms typical of many viruses, such as fever, chills, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) may also develop.
There have been no record-breaking cases of the virus so far this year – seven cases were reported last year, and 38 in 2019.
But health officials are on constant alert because EEE cases have a high mortality rate: About one-third of patients die, usually within 10 days after symptoms begin, according to the CDC.
Additionally, according to the CDC, many who recover have long-term problems, including mild to severe intellectual disability, personality disorders, seizures, paralysis, and impaired neurological function.
The number of cases of West Nile fever, another mosquito-borne virus, is also surging in the U.S. The CDC said as of Tuesday that 289 cases had been reported in 33 states, with the majority, 195 of which showed signs of neuroinvasive disease.
“Everyone should take measures to prevent mosquito bites when outdoors,” Chan said.
These steps include:
Use insect repellents that contain DEET or picaridin, wear loose clothing that covers arms and legs, and discard standing water outside the home, including in dog bowls, flower pots, bird baths and toys.
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