First Death from Mosquito-borne Disease EEE Reported in Eastern US

Concern about Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a mosquito-borne disease, is on the rise as states like Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire have detected it in mosquito batches as well as infection cases in humans. There has been one death reported to date—an adult from Hampstead, NH who had tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) infection.

There is also a reported case in Wisconsin, according to the US Centers of Disease Control.

The last reported human EEEV infection in New Hampshire was in 2014. Then, the state reported three human infections with two fatalities.

According to state officials, Vermont continues to see much higher numbers of mosquitoes testing positive for EEE virus this year compared to previous years.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) has started aerial spraying for mosquitoes. The Commonwealth’s first EEE-positive mosquitoes in Massachusetts were announced on July 3. On August 16, it confirmed its first human case of EEE virus infection. It was the first case of infection in a human since 2020.

Massachusetts has started truck-mounted spraying in areas with high or critical risk for the EEE. Spraying is scheduled to take place at night, starting shortly after dusk and ending in the early morning.

Massachusetts will deploy Anvil 10+10, an EPA-registered product described as “ultra-low volume (ULV) aerosol,” according to state officials. In press releases, DPH stressed that “compounds in this product have proven to be highly effective in killing mosquitoes worldwide for over 20 years.”

What Is EEE?

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is rare but serious, and a potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. It is generally spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.  Here is a link to CDC guidance.

CDC reports current year EEE data here.

Officials recommend that consumers use mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered active ingredient and wear clothing to reduce exposed skin. Further, health officials say consumers should reschedule evening outdoor events to avoid the hours between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes most likely to spread EEE are most active.

Officials stress use of mosquito repellent with EPA-registered ingredients like DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-Menthane-3,8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535.

DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. 

It is also important to mosquito-proof homes. Officials suggest homeowners drain standing water where mosquitoes lay their eggs, and install and repair screens on windows and doors.

Leading Insect Repellant Companies

Happi Top 50 Company SC Johnson has been at the forefront of fighting against mosquito-borne diseases through products to repel, control and kill pests in and around the home, such as Off and Raid, among others. Since 1957, SC Johnson has operated one of the largest private, urban entomology research centers in the world—the SC Johnson Institute of Insect Science for Family Health. SCJ also works with NGOs worldwide to educate underserved communities on how to avoid mosquito bites and prevent disease transmission.

Procter & Gamble’s bug line is Zevo, and it includes products for home and the body. The range includes products like Zevo On-Body Mosquito + Tick Repellent pump spray. Zevo’s active ingredient is IR3535.

Health officials note that animal owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent EEE.

West Nile Infection

In related news about mosquito-borne illness, Dr. Anthony Fauci—the longstanding former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases—is recovering at home after being infected with West Nile. According to reports, he spent time in the hospital after he was bit by a mosquito in his yard.