Mosquito-borne EEE virus kills New Hampshire man

Hampstead Man Dies from Rare Mosquito-Borne Virus Eastern Equine Encephalitis

HAMPSTEAD, NH – A 41-year-old man from Hampstead, New Hampshire, has tragically passed away after contracting the rare mosquito-borne virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The victim has been identified as Stephen Perry, a well-loved member of the community.

A Life Cut Short by EEE

Stephen Perry’s family shared with WBZ that he was a healthy individual with no underlying medical conditions before contracting the virus. Perry was hospitalized after developing a severe central nervous system disease and succumbed to the illness within a week.

“Stephen had a sense of adventure, lived a full life, and was happiest spending time with his family, who meant everything to him,” his family stated in his obituary. His sister described him as funny, kind, smart, and driven.

Stephen Perry, 41, of New Hampshire, tragically died from Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
Family photo

The Threat of EEE in New Hampshire

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services reports that the last human case of EEE in the state occurred in 2014, with three infections and two fatalities that year. This summer, the virus has been detected in one horse and seven mosquito groups across the state.

“We believe the risk of mosquito-borne infections is statewide,” stated Dr. Benjamin Chan, New Hampshire’s state epidemiologist. EEE is a “rare but serious” disease that can cause brain damage and death, transmitted by infected mosquitoes.

Dr. Chan further emphasized that mosquitoes in New Hampshire can transmit other infections, including West Nile Virus and Jamestown Canyon Virus. Given the positive mosquito samples detected, there is an increased risk of EEEV infection this year in New England. The risk remains until a hard freeze kills the mosquitoes.

Massachusetts Also Faces EEE Concerns

Massachusetts is also grappling with EEE. Earlier this month, an 80-year-old man from Oxford became the first person in Massachusetts to be diagnosed with EEE since 2020. The state reported 12 human cases of EEE and six deaths in 2019, with five cases and one death in 2020.

To combat the spread, Oxford Health Council approved an outdoor curfew, requiring activities to end before dusk to avoid peak mosquito hours. Plymouth also closed parks and fields from dusk to dawn after the city’s EEE risk was elevated to high. Additionally, some counties in Massachusetts have begun aerial spraying for mosquitoes.

Massachusetts health officials have announced two more human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV), bringing the total to four this year. The affected individuals were exposed in Suffolk and Norfolk counties.

What is EEE?

EEE can cause flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, muscle aches, and joint pain. It can also lead to inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes. Approximately one-third of individuals who develop EEE die from the infection, with many survivors facing lifelong physical or mental impairments. Currently, there is no vaccine or antiviral treatment for EEE, and the risk typically decreases with the first frost.

Conclusion

The death of Stephen Perry underscores the serious threat posed by mosquito-borne viruses like EEE. As health officials continue to monitor the situation in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, it is crucial for the public to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, especially during peak activity hours. With no current vaccine or specific treatment for EEE, prevention remains the best defense against this deadly virus.