New Hampshire resident dies of EEE, a rare mosquito-borne virus

A New Hampshire man has died from Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE), a rare but deadly virus transmitted by mosquitoes, the state Department of Health announced Tuesday.

It is the first death from an electrical or electronic device reported in the United States this year. The man, identified by his family as 41-year-old Steven Perry, was “hospitalized due to severe central nervous system disease,” New Hampshire health officials said.

Perry was healthy and had no previous medical conditions, his family told NBC10 Boston, but the disease progressed rapidly.

The case is the fifth this year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cases involving electrical and electronic equipment have already been reported in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Vermont and Wisconsin.

The country is currently in the middle of mosquito season, as the insects are most active in August and September.

“The danger will remain into the fall until a severe freeze occurs that kills the mosquitoes,” New Hampshire State Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan said in a press release Tuesday.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced it would begin spraying insecticide this week after a man in his 80s became ill from electrical and electronic equipment. Several Massachusetts towns announced they would close public parks from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

While many people with EEE have no symptoms, others develop the typical symptoms of many viruses: fever, chills, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or fatigue. Encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, and meningitis, an inflammation of the meninges that cover the brain and spinal cord, can sometimes occur.

This year is not a record year for the virus. Last year, seven cases were reported. In 2019, there were 38.

But health authorities are always on guard because of the high mortality rate. According to the CDC, about a third of patients die, usually within 10 days of the onset of symptoms.

In addition, the CDC points out that many people who recover are left with long-term problems, including mild to severe intellectual disabilities, personality disorders, seizures, paralysis, and cranial nerve dysfunction.

Another mosquito-borne virus has also appeared in large numbers in the USA: the West Nile virus. As of Tuesday, 289 cases had been reported in 33 states, according to the CDC. The majority (195) were neuroinvasive diseases.

“Everyone should take measures to prevent mosquito bites when outdoors,” Chan said.

These steps include:

• with insect spray with DEET or Picaridin
• Wear loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs
• Drain standing water outside homes, including dog bowls, flower pots, birdbaths, and toys.