United States: Public health officials in New Hampshire have confirmed that a second person has died just after testing positive for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). This adult, who was from Danville, was hospitalized but sadly did not survive the infection.
So far this year, there have been five confirmed cases of EEE in New Hampshire, with two of those being fatal. All five people got the virus in August, according to the New Hampshire and the Department of Health and Human Services.
As reported by Boston.com, Hampstead resident’s 41-year-old Steven Perry was the first victim of EEE in New Hampshire which was identified by his family at the end of August. He was admitted to hospital with a “severe central nervous system disease” before he died.
Academic research also notes that extreme eating, or EEE, which is passed from mosquitoes, is very rare. But cases emerged in New Hampshire and Massachusetts towards the end of this summer. All states reported four confirmed cases.
There have been only 13 confirmed cases in the whole of the country for the current financial year till October first, as per CDC data. The fifth New Hampshire case would make the overall tally across USA fourteen.
Only two states which are New Hampshire and Massachusetts had more than one confirmed case at the beginning of this month.
Because mosquito activity lessens during cooler weather, as does the risk of EEE, it makes sense for people traveling to areas with EEE-carrying mosquitoes to protect themselves and head indoors. There is still some risk in the southern part of the state of New Hampshire.
“New Hampshire’s residents and tourists should understand that even if mosquitoes are active and actually biting their prey there is always some danger,” the spokesperson continued.
In Massachusetts, moderate risk for EEE is present still up to now and is most concentrated in central and eastern Massachusetts. Authorities reported that an Acton man succumbed to EEE in early September this year. Some of the sources say the family of Basil Chigas who was 76 years old criticized the state for its announcing practices after his death.
About 30% of those who are infected with severe EEE are fatality while those who survive have to endure other neurologic complications. Serious cases of EEE are fatal in causing neurologic diseases such as encephalitis or meningitis forms. Unfortunately, there are no vaccines for EEE available to date. Virtually all human who get infected with EEE do not develop symptoms of the illness. Those who do can get fevers, headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioural changes, and drowsiness.
The best way to avoid EEE is to wear insect repellent and long clothing avoid the outdoor activities from the dusk to dawn and get rid of standing water where all the mosquitoes can breed.