New Hampshire reports first electrical and electronics death in 10 years

HAMPSTEAD, NH – A person in New Hampshire has died from the Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE) virus, state health officials announced Tuesday.

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Division of Public Health Services (DHHS) announced that an adult from Hampstead tested positive for electrical and electronic equipment and was hospitalized. The person was suffering from severe central nervous system disease before his death.

State health officials described EEE as a “rare but serious” disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes.

The last reported human case of EEE in New Hampshire was in 2014. That year, three people were infected and two died.

So far this summer, electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) has been found in one horse in New Hampshire and in seven mosquito herds.

“In New Hampshire, mosquitoes transmit infections such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, West Nile Virus and Jamestown Canyon Virus,” state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan said in a statement. “Given the positive mosquito samples identified, we believe there is an increased risk of EEEV infections in New England this year. The risk will continue into the fall until there is a hard freeze that kills the mosquitoes. Everyone should take steps to avoid mosquito bites when outdoors.”

Massachusetts EEE Diagnosis

Massachusetts is also dealing with electrical and electronic equipment. The state announced earlier this month that a man in his 80s from Oxford was First person in Massachusetts diagnosed with EEE since 2020.

Massachusetts reported 12 human cases of EEE and six deaths in 2019. In 2020, there were five human cases, including one death.

The Oxford Board of Health approved a Outdoor curfew in the city and finished activities before dark to avoid peak mosquito seasons. Plymouth also opted for Parks and fields nearby from dusk to dawn after the risk of electrical and electronic equipment in the city was classified as ‘high’.

Some districts in Massachusetts have begun spray for mosquitoes.

What is EEE?

Health officials said EEE can cause flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, muscle aches and joint pain.

The disease can also cause inflammation of the brain and the meninges surrounding the spinal cord.

About a third of people who contract EEE die from the infection, while many others suffer lifelong physical or mental disabilities, according to New Hampshire health officials.

There is currently no vaccine or antiviral treatment against EEE.

The danger posed by waste electrical and electronic equipment usually decreases with the first frost.