An individual within the northeastern US state of New Hampshire has died after contracting the uncommon mosquito-borne japanese equine encephalitis (EEE) virus, well being authorities introduced Tuesday.
The affected person, recognized solely as an grownup from the city of Hampstead, was hospitalized with extreme central nervous system illness and later succumbed to the sickness, the New Hampshire Division of Well being and Human Providers (DHHS) mentioned in a press release.
“The final reported human EEEV an infection in New Hampshire was in 2014, when DHHS recognized three human infections, together with two fatalities,” the division mentioned.
The brand new an infection and loss of life comes amid rising considerations from state officers throughout New England in regards to the growing threat of EEE, a menace believed to be exacerbated by local weather change.
Earlier this month, Massachusetts introduced the yr’s first human case of EEE within the state – a person in his 80s – and officers have requested the general public to watch voluntary out of doors curfews, closed public parks, and initiated aerial and floor spraying to manage the mosquito inhabitants.
In keeping with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, signs of japanese equine encephalitis embrace fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral modifications, and drowsiness.
It could additionally trigger extreme neurological illness, reminiscent of irritation of the mind and membranes across the spinal wire, generally known as encephalitis and meningitis.
Roughly 30 % of these contaminated die, and lots of survivors endure ongoing bodily or psychological impacts. People below 15 and over 50 are thought of at increased threat.
There are at present no vaccines or remedies out there.
Well being officers advise utilizing insect repellent, sporting protecting clothes outdoor and eliminating standing water round properties to scale back mosquito breeding websites.
A 2023 report by Local weather Central highlighted that the variety of “mosquito days” – heat, humid circumstances perfect for mosquito exercise – has elevated throughout a lot of the US over the previous 4 a long time resulting from human-caused local weather change.
© Agence France-Presse