A resident of New Hampshire has died after contracting the mosquito-borne virus EEEthe state health department said Tuesday.
The resident, identified only as an adult from Hempstead, is the first reported human case of eastern equine encephalitis in the state since 2014. Three people contracted the disease that year, two of whom died.
The health department said it found seven batches of mosquitoes with the infection this summer. A horse was also infected.
“In New Hampshire, mosquitoes transmit infections including Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, West Nile Virus and Jamestown Canyon Virus,” Dr. Benjamin Chan, New Hampshire’s state epidemiologist, said in a statement.
“We believe there is an elevated risk of EEEV infections this year in New England given the positive mosquito samples identified. The risk will continue into the fall until a hard frost comes that kills the mosquitoes. Everyone should take steps to prevent mosquito bites when they are outdoors,” the statement continued.
EEE is a rare but serious disease that is transmitted through bites, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Most infections occur without symptoms, but severe cases begin with fever, headache, chills, and vomiting before progressing to swelling of the brain (encephalitis) or spinal cord (meningitis). Survivors may be permanently debilitated, with seizures, paralysis and other neurological problems.
There are no specific treatments for the infection, but rest, fluids, and pain relievers can relieve symptoms.
Nonfatal cases have also been reported in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Vermont and Wisconsin this summer, the CDC said.