The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services in the USA announced on Tuesday, August 27, the death of a man who was bitten by a mosquito. It turned out that the mosquito was carrying the eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV).
USA: Mosquito Infects Man with Dangerous Virus. City Imposes Curfew
The man was hospitalized due to a severe central nervous system disease, but despite efforts, his life could not be saved. According to the Department of Health, the last human case of EEEV infection occurred in 2014, when three people were diagnosed, two of whom died. This summer, the virus was detected in Massachusetts in a horse and seven mosquitoes, and in Vermont in one person and 47 mosquitoes.
We believe that this year in New England (northeastern USA), there is an increased risk of EEEV infection, given the identified positive mosquito samples. This risk will persist into the fall until hard frost kills them. Everyone should take steps to prevent mosquito bites when outdoors
- said state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan.
According to CBS News, the Oxford Health Board (in Massachusetts, USA) responded by approving a curfew. City officials state that it is a recommendation rather than a requirement, but the decision will affect local sports team practices. "Oxford joins the towns of Douglas, Sutton, and Webster as areas of 'critical risk' for EEE" - journalists wrote.
People are panicking, and I understand why, but it's an emotional reaction, not a scientific one; there are more things in the world that could cause panic
- said Joseph Vinetz, an infectious disease expert at Yale School of Medicine, in an interview with The Washington Post. "But I understand why people are concerned. If it happens to your family, it's terrifying, but it happens so rarely" - he added.
What Is EEEV? What Are the Symptoms in an Infected Person?
Eastern equine encephalitis is a rare but serious disease transmitted by mosquitoes. EEEV can present with flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle and joint pain, and chills. The virus can then cause severe neurological diseases. "About one-third of all people who develop encephalitis caused by EEEV die from the infection, and many others experience lifelong physical or mental effects" - the Department of Health reported.
