One person has died in the northeastern United States from Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a rare mosquito-borne disease, local health authorities announced on Tuesday.
The New Hampshire Department of Health identified the patient in a statement as an adult from the town of Hampstead, without providing further details on their gender or age. The person had been hospitalized due to a severe deterioration of the central nervous system and died as a result of the disease, the statement noted.
“The last known human infection with the Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus in New Hampshire dates back to 2014,” when the Health Department reported “three human infections, including two deaths,” it adds.
This death occurs amid growing concerns in the northeastern United States about the risk of EEE spread, which is believed to be exacerbated by climate change.
Earlier this month, neighboring Massachusetts announced its first case of EEE this year in an octogenarian.
According to the CDC, the main public health agency in the United States, symptoms of the Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, behavioral changes, and drowsiness.
It can also cause significant neurological disturbances.
Nearly 30% of infected individuals die from the disease, and many of those who survive suffer from physical or mental sequelae. Those under 15 and over 50 years are considered at the highest risk.
A 2023 report from the Climate Central organization highlights that the number of “mosquito days” — when hot and humid weather conditions are ideal for these insects — has increased across much of the United States over the past four decades due to human activity-induced climate change.
Rising Threat of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Northeastern U.S.
The recent death of an adult in New Hampshire from Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has renewed concerns about the risks associated with this rare but deadly mosquito-borne illness. Health authorities reported that the individual suffered severe neurological deterioration before succumbing to the disease. This tragic event marks the first confirmed human case of EEE in New Hampshire since 2014, highlighting a worrying trend in the resurgence of this illness.
Historically, EEE cases have been sporadic in the region, but experts are increasingly linking the frequency and severity of outbreaks to changing climatic conditions. A recent report from Climate Central indicates that warmer and wetter weather patterns are contributing to the proliferation of mosquitoes, the primary vectors for EEE. This trend raises the potential for more frequent and severe outbreaks in the coming years, especially given that warmer temperatures are likely to extend the mosquito breeding season.
With nearly 30% of EEE infections resulting in death and many survivors facing lasting neurological damage, the stakes are especially high for vulnerable populations, including those under 15 and over 50. As climate change aggravates the situation, local health departments may need to ramp up educational campaigns about protective measures against mosquito bites, as well as strengthen surveillance systems to detect and respond to EEE outbreaks swiftly.
Additionally, the implications of these ongoing climate shifts could necessitate a reevaluation of public health policies. Urban planning and environmental management strategies may need to incorporate mosquito control measures in order to avert future health crises. The growing incidence of mosquito-borne diseases like EEE underscores the critical intersection of public health, climate action, and community preparedness.