An individual in Hampstead, New Hampshire, has died after contracting the uncommon mosquito-borne Japanese Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus, well being officers reported on Tuesday, stated an AP report. The affected person, an grownup, was hospitalised with extreme central nervous system illness and later died, in response to the New Hampshire Division of Well being and Human Providers (DHHS).The current dying has raised new considerations in regards to the rising danger of EEE in New England, which is believed to be worsened by local weather change.Historical past of EEE The final recorded human case of EEE in New Hampshire was in 2014, when DHHS recognized three circumstances, together with two fatalities. Earlier this month, Massachusetts reported its first human case of EEE this 12 months, involving an aged man. In response, state officers have applied voluntary out of doors curfews, closed public parks, and carried out aerial and floor mosquito spraying to manage the inhabitants.Signs and influence of EEEThe Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) notes that signs of EEE embody fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral adjustments, and drowsiness. The illness can result in extreme neurological situations resembling encephalitis and meningitis. About 30% of these contaminated die, and plenty of survivors expertise long-term bodily or psychological results. People below 15 and over 50 are at increased danger.Prevention and remedyThere are presently no vaccines or therapies for EEE. Well being officers suggest utilizing insect repellent, carrying protecting clothes, and eliminating standing water to cut back mosquito breeding websites. A 2023 Local weather Central report signifies that the variety of “mosquito days”- heat, humid days superb for mosquito activity- has elevated within the US over the previous 4 many years as a result of local weather change.
