Tests show N.H. man died of EEE

CONCORD, N.H. – Health officials say an 80-year-old Hooksett man who died two weeks ago was infected with Eastern equine encephalitis.

State health officials suspected the man had Triple E but did not get conclusive test results until Saturday afternoon. The man is the second person known to have died of the mosquito-borne illness in the state this year.

A 20-year-old Newton woman, Kelly Labell, died Sept. 9. Four other people around the state have been infected by the virus this year but survived.

State epidemiologist Dr. Jose Montero says it is almost certain the elderly man, who died Sept. 11, was bitten by a mosquito in Hooksett, where evidence of the virus has been found in dead birds. Montero said the man had no history of traveling.

“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of this gentleman,” said state Health Commissioner John Stephen. “This loss is a tragic reminder about just how serious this disease can be. We hope everyone takes precautions against EEE and other mosquito-borne illnesses.”

Health officials continue to urge people to get rid of standing water around their homes and to wear mosquito repellent, long sleeves and pants to protect themselves.

They say mosquito activity is slowing but it will take at least two good frosts to kill off the population for the year.

“The risk starts to go down as the weather starts to cool,” Montero said. Mosquito trapping efforts already show reduced activity, he noted.

Health officials are beginning to turn their efforts to planning for next year and are urging local communities to do the same.

“Once it gets into an area it’s easier to get it again and again for several years,” Montero said.

The Department of Health and Human Services announced it is supporting legislation sponsored by Concord Rep. James MacKay to provide financial assistance to communities considered at high risk for the spread of viruses like Triple E.

The legislation would also streamline the permitting process for pesticides to be used to kill the mosquitoes.

Montero said scientists still do not understand how the virus survives over the winter, allowing it to spread once mosquitoes become active again.