New Hampshire Resident Dies After Contracting Mosquito-Borne Virus

A New Hampshire resident infected with a deadly mosquito-born virus has died, health officials said.

The individual, an adult from Hampstead whose identity has not been disclosed, tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV). They were hospitalized with severe central nervous system symptoms before their death, according to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. The resident’s infection was reportedly the first in the state in a decade.

EEEV is a rare but severe mosquito-borne illness and has a high mortality rate, with about one-third of those affected by it dying.

Symptoms of the virus include diarrhea, fever, headache, seizures and vomiting, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It can also cause flu-like symptoms and lead to severe neurological issues, including inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes.

The CDC says survivors often face long-term mental and physical impairments. There are currently no vaccines or treatments available for the “very serious” disease, also known as “Triple E.”

To combat the spread of the virus, officials are conducting aerial spraying with Anvil 10+10, an EPA-registered pesticide designed to control mosquitoes in the United States.

Approximately 11 cases of EEEV are reported every year in the U.S., according to the CDC. In New Hampshire, there were three human cases in 2014, two of which were fatal. This summer, the virus has also been detected in one horse and several mosquito samples within the state.

Neighboring states have reported similar outbreaks, with cases emerging in Massachusetts and Vermont.

New Hampshire epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan warned of an elevated risk of EEEV infections in New England this year, citing positive mosquito samples.

“The risk will continue into the fall until a hard frost eliminates the mosquitoes. Everyone should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites while outdoors,” Chan told the Associated Press.

Nearly a dozen towns across the U.S. have closed their public parks at night and restricted outdoor activities to combat the heightened mosquito activity.

Additionally, health officials in states where mosquito-borne infections occur are advising residents to avoid outdoor activities during the evening, when mosquitoes are most active, through the end of September.

Public health officials are also alerting that, alongside EEEV, around eight municipalities in Massachusetts are at high risk for mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus, 3 cases of which have been reported in over 30 states.

Former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci is among those affected by the West Nile virus and is currently recovering at home after a six-day hospital stay.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.