Protect Yourself from the Deadly EEE Virus: What You Need to Know

New Hampshire Confirms Death from Mosquito-Borne EEE Virus

A 41-year-old man from New Hampshire has tragically died after contracting eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a rare but serious mosquito-borne virus. Health officials are urging residents to take precautions as at least two other cases have been reported in the Northeast this year.

What Is EEE?

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a virus spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes, including some Aedes, Coquillettidia, and Culex species. Unlike some illnesses, EEE is not transmitted from person to person. While EEE is much rarer than West Nile virus, it has a much higher fatality rate—between 30% and 50%. In the United States, only a handful of cases are reported each year, mostly in the eastern and Gulf Coast states. The 2019 outbreak was particularly severe, with 38 cases and 12 deaths, making it the largest outbreak in nearly 50 years.

Symptoms to Watch For

Most people infected with EEE will not show symptoms. However, those with weaker immune systems are more at risk. Symptoms typically appear four to 10 days after being bitten and can include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Body aches
• Joint pain

In severe cases, the virus can cause brain swelling, leading to more severe symptoms such as:

• Severe headache
• Drowsiness
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Behavioral changes, such as psychosis
• Coma

There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for EEE in humans. Some survivors may suffer from long-term neurological effects.

Animals at Risk

EEE also poses a significant threat to animals, particularly horses, llamas, and alpacas, with a mortality rate of about 90% in infected horses. Fortunately, there is a vaccine for horses, and the American Association of Equine Practitioners considers it essential. While domestic dogs and cats are rarely affected, they typically recover fully.

Prevention Tips

Preventing mosquito bites is the best way to protect yourself from EEE and other mosquito-borne illnesses. The CDC recommends the following steps:

• Use Insect Repellent: Choose an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent when going outdoors.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Opt for loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Consider clothing treated with permethrin, an insecticide that repels mosquitoes.
• Control Mosquito Breeding Grounds: Eliminate standing water from outdoor areas, such as furniture, buckets, and gardening tools, to reduce mosquito habitats.
• Maintain Home Defenses: Ensure screens on windows and doors are intact to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

By taking these precautions, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from EEE and other mosquito-borne diseases. Stay safe, and be vigilant, especially during the mosquito season.