Authorities in New Hampshire confirmed that an adult human has died from illness caused by the mosquito-borne Eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus.

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Public Health Services said the man was hospitalized for severe central nervous system disease before succumbing to the illness.

The 41-year-old reportedly had no previous medical conditions. Officials did not say who he really was in the press release.

“DHHS extends our sincere condolences to the family and friends of this individual,” the agency said in a statement.

EEE is transmitted to humans and animals by infected mosquitoes and is a rare but fatal disease.

The person’s death in New Hampshire came amid a recent outbreak of mosquito-borne diseases in the New England region.

In addition to the one fatal case, EEE has been detected in a horse and seven mosquitoes in New Hampshire. The last time New Hampshire reported cases of EEE in humans was three infections in 2014, two of which were fatal.

The first case of human electrical and electronic equipment exposure since 2020 was also reported in neighboring Massachusetts.

“In New Hampshire, mosquitoes transmit infections such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, West Nile Virus and Jamestown Canyon Virus,” said state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan in a news release. “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 a hard freeze occurs to kill off the mosquitoes. Everyone should take steps to avoid mosquito bites when outdoors.”

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EEE can cause fever, chills, muscle aches and joint pain, the DHHS said. It can also lead to serious neurological conditions, such as inflammation of the brain and the membranes around the spinal cord, which manifests as encephalitis or meningitis, the DHHS said.

About a third of people who develop encephalitis from electrical and electronic equipment die from the infection, and others often suffer “lifelong” physical or mental impairments, the DHHS said.

Expert gives tips on protecting yourself from mosquitoes

To protect yourself from mosquitoes, experts recommend:

• Use insect repellent
• Wear loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and pants
• Fly screens on the windows and air conditioning prevent bites indoors
• Removal of standing water

There is currently no vaccine or treatment for EEE. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 30% of those infected die.
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