Equine encephalomyelitis: US government reports death after infection

A person has died from eastern equine encephalomyelitis, a mosquito-borne disease, in New Hampshire, USA. State health officials said Tuesday that the patient had previously tested positive for the virus. It was New Hampshire’s first infection in a decade.

The resident, whom authorities identified only as an adult, was hospitalized for severe central nervous system symptoms, the report said. In 2014, three human infections were reported in New Hampshire, two of which were fatal.

Mosquito-borne disease is rare but often fatal (see box). Contrary to its name, eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE) affects not only animals but also people. That is why many US states have now taken measures after the disease has been diagnosed in the population.

In Massachusetts, the city of Plymouth, considered a high-risk area, closes all parks, playgrounds and fields from dusk to dawn until the end of September – a time when mosquitoes are especially active. In addition, insecticides are sprayed on public green spaces in particularly affected neighborhoods to prevent the spread of mosquitoes that can spread EEE. Private individuals are also asked to spray their lawns. People are advised to avoid mosquito bites (see box).

To date, there is no vaccine or specific medication against EEE, making the disease difficult to control. According to the CDC, EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the United States.

EEE virus has not yet been detected in Switzerland, says Esther Kunzli, co-head of the Center for Tropical and Travel Medicine at the Swiss TPH: “According to the Federal Office of Public Health, Eastern equine encephalitis only occurs in the following countries. / Regions: Atlantic Coast North America, Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America, Caribbean Islands. Humanitarian cases in Europe have practically not yet occurred.