A second person has died in New Hampshire from Eastern Equine Encephalitis, a mosquito-borne virus, as part of the worst outbreak of the disease in the state since 2005.
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services said an adult from Manchester died in mid-September, and “is thought to have been exposed at the end of August.”
This is the third case of EEE in humans this year.
Health officials advised protecting against EEE and West Nile Virus, also transmitted through mosquitoes, by using insect repellant, making sure doors and windows are well-sealed, avoiding standing water where the insects might congregate, and avoiding excessive activity at dawn or dusk when the insects are most active.
Beth Daly, the state’s chief of infectious disease surveillance, said the virus can resemble the flu but often does not include respiratory symptoms. It can also include chills, muscle aches, body aches, drowsiness and potentially “altered mental status,” Daly said.
If you are having these or other flu-like symptoms, Daly and other officials said you should contact a medical provider immediately.
Agencies/Canadajournal