NH resident dies after testing positive for mosquito-borne virus

New Hampshire authorities on Tuesday confirmed an adult resident has died after contracting a rare mosquito-borne illness with a high mortality rate.

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement that an adult resident died after testing positive for eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV). According to the agency, the unnamed resident “was hospitalized due to severe central nervous system disease, and has passed away.”

“In New Hampshire, mosquitos transmit infections including Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, West Nile Virus, and Jamestown Canyon Virus,” said New Hampshire State Epidemiologist Benjamin Chan.

“We believe there is an elevated risk for EEEV infections this year in New England given the positive mosquito samples identified. The risk will continue into the fall until there is a hard frost that kills the mosquitos. Everybody should take steps to prevent mosquito bites when they are outdoors,” Chan added.

This death comes just days after officials in the neighboring state of Massachusetts warned residents of a heightened risk of EEEV.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 30 percent of people who contract EEEV die. There are no vaccines or medicines that can prevent and treat EEEV.

The New Hampshire health authority advised residents to take preventive measures including using effective mosquito repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants when outside and avoiding outdoors activities in the early morning and evening hours. The agency also advised residents to remove standing water from around their homes.