A rare but deadly mosquito-borne disease is posing a serious threat in parts of New England, health officials warn, prompting the cancellation of some events and changes to sports schedules to avoid bites from infected insects.
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), which can cause symptoms such as vomiting and seizures, recently claimed the life of a New Hampshire resident, officials reported last week. With two human cases identified in Massachusetts and one in Vermont this summer, authorities are taking proactive measures to keep people indoors before dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
The looming threat of EEE has led to the cancellation of Burlington, Vermont’s Oktoberfest, and has forced schools throughout New England to reschedule sports practices to avoid peak mosquito hours.
Although rare, EEE is exceedingly serious, with about 30% of infected individuals succumbing to the virus, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Survivors often endure lifelong mental and physical disabilities. The CDC notes that those over 50 years old and children under 15 are at the greatest risk for severe illness.
“Vermont data, and current virus activity around New England, shows we need to take the threat of EEE very seriously,” Dr. Mark Levine, Vermont’s health commissioner, stated last week.
In Vermont, an alarming number of mosquitoes are testing positive for the virus this year compared to past years. The health department advises residents in high-risk communities to avoid nighttime outdoor activities until the season’s first hard frost kills off the mosquitoes.
A popular weekly outdoor festival featuring live music, food, and drinks at Burlington’s Intervale was also canceled last week, with organizers citing the safety of their staff and the community as their primary concern.
Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, the town of Plymouth is closing its parks and fields each evening, and at least four other towns are urging people to stay indoors at night. The state experienced a significant outbreak in 2019 with six deaths among twelve confirmed cases, and the virus persisted the following year with five more cases and another fatality.
Currently, there are no vaccines or treatments available for EEE. Only a few cases are reported in the U.S. each year, predominantly in Eastern and Gulf Coast states, according to the CDC.
