Back early in August, a 41 year old man from New Hampshire complained to his brother-in-law that he was feeling sick. The two never expected that within just a few weeks he would be laying in a hospital bed with a swelling brain, struggling to communicate. Not too long ago, there were four other individuals also along the east coast who had been reported to have ended up in the hospital with similar symptoms. What exactly caused all this? Turns out, they were all diagnosed with EEE, eastern equine encephalitis virus also known as ‘Triple E’ which starts from a small mosquito bite.
The first traces of EEE started to appear in Massachusetts, in the 1830s, in horses among other domesticated animals. About a century later, it once again popped up in 1938 attacking humans viciously, killing 25 out of 38 infected individuals along the Gulf Coast. After about 70 years of no reports, it suddenly popped up again in 2003. From then onwards, there were about 4 to 5 cases per year. And in 2019, 12 people were once again killed by this seemingly spontaneous virus. But, there is a reason for the sudden appearance, specifically explaining why it happens along the East Coast every time. Historical retrospective writer Philip M. Armstrong and publisher Andreadis believe it’s due to climate change. As the temperatures increase from gas emissions, the warm temperatures are leveling at about 90 degrees, making it the perfect temperature for hatching C. Melanura eggs and ultimately increasing the mosquito population. In this temperature, not only do they hatch faster, but the increased humidity has also allowed for higher rates of standing water, meaning water that has accumulated into puddles and no longer flows. More water means more mosquito eggs.
Although the rates of infection might seem low right now, the death rate for those infected is 50 percent, making it an extremely deadly virus. And those who survive end up with lasting neurological diseases such as personality disorders, encephalitis, seizures, even paralysis. What’s more scary is that those above 50 years of age and those younger than 15 years are most vulnerable, and so far there is no vaccine to help with prevention.
So what can we do to protect ourselves? Whenever walking out the door, make sure to first apply mosquito repellent, especially if you live on the east coast during the summer . At dusk and dawn, also known as the peak mosquito hour, wear clothing that covers both your arms and legs. And perhaps, the most influential measure is to remove all places that might hold standing water around the house. Doing such will not only decrease the amount of mosquitoes living around your house, but it will also help to prevent mosquito bites and diseases like EEE whenever you step out of your house.
References:
1. “About Eastern Equine Encephalitis.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/eastern-equine-encephalitis/about/index.html. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.
2. Burton, Paul. “New Hampshire Man Tests Positive for EEE and 2 Other Mosquito Viruses, Now Fighting for Life.” CBS News, CBS Interactive, 3 Sept. 2024, www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/new-hampshire-mosquito-eee-virus/.
3. De, - Tanusree, et al. “Eee Virus: Why the US Is Worried about This Deadly Mosquito-Borne Disease. Here Are the Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.” The Economic Times, economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/eee-virus-why-the-us-is-worried-about-this-deadly-mosquito-borne-disease-here-are-the-causes-symptoms-treatment/articleshow/112969888.cms?from=mdr. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.
4 . This Deadly Mosquito-Borne Disease Is Spreading on The ..., www.fastcompany.com/91182335/this-deadly-mosquito-borne-disease-is-spreading-on-the-east-coast-and-climate-change-is-making-it-worse. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.
5. Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) Fact Sheet, www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/eastern_equine_encephalitis/fact_sheet.htm. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.
6. Greenlaw, Ellen. “EEE: A Worried Parent’s Questions, Answered.” Boston Children’s Answers, 1 July 2021, answers.childrenshospital.org/eee-questions-answered/.
7. Armstrong, Philip M, and Theodore G Andreadis. “Ecology and Epidemiology of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus in the Northeastern United States: An Historical Perspective.” OUP Academic, Oxford University Press, 4 Nov. 2021, academic.oup.com/jme/article/59/1/1/6420395?login=false.
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