HAMPSTEAD, N.H. – A 41-year-old man from Hampstead, New Hampshire, has died after contracting a mosquito-borne virus known as Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Family members have identified the man as 41-year-old Steven Perry.
Perry’s family told WBZ that he was in good health and had no underlying health conditions. He was hospitalized with a severe central nervous system disorder and died within a week.
“Stephen had an adventurous spirit, lived a full life and was happiest spending time with his family, who meant everything to him,” his family wrote in his obituary.
Perry’s sister told WBZ that Perry was funny, bright, smart and driven.
Family photo
According to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, the last time a case of EEE was reported in New Hampshire was in 2014. That year, three people were infected and two died.
EEE has been found in one horse and seven mosquito colonies in New Hampshire so far this summer. “We believe the risk for these mosquito-borne diseases is statewide,” said Dr. Benjamin Chang, state epidemiologist.
State health officials call EEE a “rare but serious” disease that is transmitted by infected mosquitoes and can cause brain damage and death.
“In New Hampshire, mosquitoes transmit diseases such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, West Nile Virus and Jamestown Canyon Virus,” Chang said. “Based on the positive mosquito samples, we believe there is an increased risk of EEEV transmission in New England this year. The risk will continue into the fall until we have a severe frost that will kill mosquitoes. Everyone should take steps to prevent mosquito bites when outdoors.”
Massachusetts EEE Diagnostics
Massachusetts is also grappling with an EEE problem. Earlier this month, the state reported that an Oxford man in his 80s First person diagnosed with EEE in Massachusetts From 2020.
Massachusetts reported 12 cases of EEE and six deaths in 2019. In 2020, there have been five cases, including one death.
Oxford Health Board Outdoor curfew The town ended operations before sunset to avoid peak mosquito hours. Close parks and fields from dusk to dawn after the town’s EEE risk was raised to high.
In some Massachusetts counties Mosquito control.
Starting August 27, planes will be spraying pesticides over Plymouth and the surrounding areas from 8pm to 2am. The spraying is safe for people and pets.
“Aerial spraying is usually carried out when there’s a severe infestation and it can be very helpful in reducing populations quickly,” said Laura McGowan of Clark, who carries out the aerial spray treatments.
“This is an important public health tactic that we use,” McGowan said. “It’s one of the most powerful things that we have in our arsenal and certainly has a high efficacy rate. We treat an area with very small amounts — about a shot glass’ worth to treat an entire football field — and it’s sprayed in a way that interacts with the biology of the mosquito.”
Massachusetts health officials announced two new cases of West Nile virus in the state on Tuesday, bringing the total this year to four. One was in Suffolk County and the other in Norfolk County. West Nile virus is carried by mosquitoes and can be transmitted to humans.
The following towns have been designated high risk for WNV: Boston, Cambridge, Everett, Medford, Newton, Somerville, Watertown, Brookline, Milton and Quincy.
What is EEE?
Health officials said EEE can cause flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills and muscle and joint pain.
The disease can also cause inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord.
About a third of people who develop EEE die from the infection, while New Hampshire health officials said many others may experience lifelong physical or mental effects.
Currently, there is no vaccine or antiviral treatment for EEE.
The threat of EEE usually eases after the first frost.
