HAMPSTEAD, NH – The New Hampshire resident who died from the Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) virus has been identified by his family as Steven Perry, 41, of Hampstead.

His family told WBZ that Perry was healthy and had no underlying medical conditions. He was hospitalized for a severe central nervous system disorder and died within a week.

“Steven had a sense of adventure, lived a full life and was happiest when spending time with his family, who meant everything to him,” the family wrote in his obituary.

His sister told WBZ that he was funny, optimistic, smart and determined.

State health officials described EEE as a “rare but serious” disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes.

The last reported human case of EEE in New Hampshire was in 2014. That year, three people were infected and two died.

So far this summer, electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) has been found in one horse in New Hampshire and in seven mosquito herds.

“In New Hampshire, mosquitoes transmit infections such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, West Nile Virus and Jamestown Canyon Virus,” state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan said in a statement. “Given the positive mosquito samples identified, we believe there is an increased risk of EEEV infections in New England this year. The risk will continue into the fall until there is a hard freeze that kills the mosquitoes. Everyone should take steps to avoid mosquito bites when outdoors.”

Massachusetts EEE Diagnosis

Massachusetts is also dealing with electrical and electronic equipment. The state announced earlier this month that a man in his 80s from Oxford was First person in Massachusetts diagnosed with EEE since 2020.

Massachusetts reported 12 human cases of EEE and six deaths in 2019. In 2020, there were five human cases, including one death.

The Oxford Board of Health approved a Outdoor curfew in the city and finished activities before dark to avoid peak mosquito seasons. Plymouth also opted for Parks and fields nearby from dusk to dawn after the risk of electrical and electronic equipment in the city was classified as ‘high’.

Some districts in Massachusetts have begun spray for mosquitoes.

What is EEE?

Health officials said EEE can cause flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, muscle aches and joint pain.

The disease can also cause inflammation of the brain and the meninges surrounding the spinal cord.

About a third of people who contract EEE die from the infection, while many others suffer lifelong physical or mental disabilities, according to New Hampshire health officials.

There is currently no vaccine or antiviral treatment against EEE.

The danger posed by waste electrical and electronic equipment usually decreases with the first frost.