A healthy man from New Hampshire has died after a week-long battle with a mosquito-borne virus that primarily affects horses.
Steven Perry, 41, from Hampstead — about 40 miles outside Boston — became the first person in the state in 10 years to be infected with Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
He was rushed to the hospital on August 12 but was declared dead on August 19. An autopsy revealed he was infected with ‘Triple E’, which he must have caught from a mosquito bite.
Paying tribute to her brother, who had no underlying health conditions, his sister Susan said he was funny, upbeat and the ‘glue of the family’.
Steven Perry, 41, from Hampstead in New Hampshire, died after a seven-day battle with Eastern Equine Encephalitis
He was rushed to the hospital on August 12 after his family noticed he was acting strangely, but was declared dead on August 19 — a week later
It comes amid a surge in concerns over mosquito-borne diseases in New England, as ten counties in Massachusetts issue night-time curfew warnings to protect against the virus.
Several cities in the US are also spraying pesticides to deter mosquitoes, which may be becoming increasingly disease-ridden.
And former White House Covid doctor Anthony Fauci revealed he was hospitalized earlier this month with West Nile Virus earlier this month, which is also spread by mosquitoes.
Writing a tribute in his obituary, the family said: ‘It is with heavy hearts that the family acknowledges that Steven left those that he loved far too soon after being stricken by a sudden and rare brain infection.
‘Steven was known for his kindness, sense of humor, and unwavering love for his family and friends.
‘He was a devoted son, brother, uncle and friend who brought joy and laughter to all who knew him.
Mr Perry is survived by his mother, girlfriend, three siblings and six neices and nephews. He is pictured above. Mr Perry was also described as an avid golfer
‘Steven took great pride in his career as Director of Hampstead Nursing Services working alongside his mother for many years.
‘He was also an avid sports fan whose knowledge and passion for sports was beyond measure.
‘He was an avid golfer and enjoyed the game even more when playing with his nephews.’
It was not clear what symptoms Mr Perry had suffered, or when or where he had become infected.
But humans catch the disease from the bites of mosquitoes, which pick up the virus from birds and normally transmit it to horses — giving it the name Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or horse brain disease.
Mr Perry is survived by his mother, girlfriend, three siblings and six nieces and nephews.
He died after being treated at Mass General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.
EEE is a rare disease among humans, with about 11 cases and several deaths recorded in the US every year — normally between July and September.
For comparison, among horses there are more than a hundred cases recorded every year.
There have been four cases and one death so far this year — with one each in Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Vermont and Wisconsin.
Up to a third of patients die from the virus, which is often deadly because it progresses rapidly and targets the patient’s nerve cells, triggering a severe immune response.
The above map shows the counties where EEE has been detected between 2003 and 2023. The dark blue areas represent places with human cases
Cases of EEE appear to have risen slightly since the Covid pandemic, although experts say the virus remains rare in people
There are also no specific vaccines or treatments against the virus.
It is a neurotropic virus, or one that targets nerve cells, falling into the same category as rabies, West Nile Virus and Zika virus among others.
In the early stages, patients may suffer from a fever, headache and joint pain.
But the virus quickly spreads to the brain causing inflammation — or brain swelling — which can lead to seizures, an altered mental state and paralysis.
Officials say that many of those who survive the infection are often left with severe brain damage and need round-the-clock care for the rest of their lives.
The best way to avoid the virus is to apply mosquito repellant to prevent bites.
The case marks the first human death from the disease in New Hampshire since 2014. So far this summer, EEE has been found in one New Hampshire horse and seven mosquito batches.
