A dangerous mosquito-borne illness is causing concerns in parts of New England, leading health officials to take precautionary measures to prevent its spread. Eastern equine encephalitis, a rare but severe disease that can result in symptoms like vomiting and seizures, claimed the life of a New Hampshire resident recently. Massachusetts and Vermont have also reported human cases this summer, prompting authorities to adjust schedules to avoid mosquito bites, especially during dusk when these insects are most active.
In response to the threat, events like Oktoberfest in Burlington, Vermont have been cancelled, and schools in the region are rearranging sports practices to steer clear of peak mosquito activity times. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that about 30% of individuals infected with eastern equine encephalitis succumb to the disease, with survivors facing potential long-term mental and physical impairments. Those most at risk of severe illness are individuals over 50 and under 15 years old, according to the CDC.
Dr. Mark Levine, Vermont’s health commissioner, emphasized the importance of taking the EEE threat seriously, especially given the rise in mosquito populations testing positive for the virus in the state. Precautionary measures include advising residents in high-risk areas to avoid outdoor activities at night until the first frost eliminates mosquitoes. Events like a weekly evening festival in Burlington have been cancelled to safeguard the community.
In Massachusetts, towns like Plymouth are closing parks and fields in the evenings, with other municipalities urging residents to refrain from outdoor activities at night. A previous outbreak in Massachusetts in 2019 resulted in six deaths among 12 confirmed cases, with additional cases and fatalities reported the following year.
Eastern equine encephalitis has no known vaccine or specific treatment, and while only a few cases are reported annually in the U.S., they are primarily concentrated in states along the eastern and Gulf coasts. The emphasis remains on prevention and raising awareness to minimize the risk of contracting this deadly disease.