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New Hampshire man dies after contracting rare mosquito-borne disease

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEV) can cause serious neurological problems, including brain inflammation and meningitis

A female Anopheles mosquito engorged while feeding on human skin
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEV) is transferred to humans when bitten by infected mosquitoes and can cause serious neurological problems, including brain inflammation and meningitis. (Alamy Stock Photo)
By Mark Robinson

A 41-year-old man from New Hampshire has died from eastern equine encephalitis, a rare and deadly mosquito-borne virus.

The death of a resident was announced by New Hampshire’s state Health Department on Tuesday before the deceased’s family identified him as Steven Perry in an interview with NBC10 Boston.

According to his family, he had been healthy and in good medical condition before falling ill with the virus.

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However, once he had fallen ill, the disease progressed rapidly.

Starlings cool off in a bird bath in Whitley Bay. (Owen Humphreys)
Residents are advised to empty standing water around their homes, such as water in bird baths and dog bowls, to reduce attracting mosquito populations.

It is the first death caused by EEE in the US this year and the first infection in the state since 2014.

Four other cases have been reported so far this year in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Vermont and Wisconsin, according to the CDC.

The EEE virus is transmitted to humans when bitten by infected mosquitoes.

More cases are expected over the end of summer and into the fall as the US continues into peak mosquito season during August and September.

Most people with EEE may show no sign of infection, however symptoms can include those typically associated with viruses, such as fever, chills and body aches.

Sick young woman coughing hard at home
Common symptoms of EEE include those typically associated with viral infections such as fever, coughing and aches. (Alamy Stock Photo)

More serious infections can cause inflammation of the brain and even meningitis.

“We believe there is an elevated risk for EEEV infections this year in New England given the positive mosquito samples identified,” said Dr Benjamin Chan, State Epidemiologist of New Hampshire.

“The risk will continue into the fall until there is a hard frost that kills the mosquitos.

“Everybody should take steps to prevent mosquito bites when they are outdoors,” he added.

The NH State Health Department advises using effective mosquito repellents and wearing long sleeves and pants when outside.

Outdoor activities should also be avoided in the early morning and evening hours as this is when mosquitos are most active.

Residents are also advised to remove standing water from around their homes, such as dog bowls and bird baths and ensure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.