A female Culex restuans mosquito that was collected in Maryland. This type of mosquito is a proven vector associated with the transmission of West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Photo via the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
A man from Chittenden County died from eastern equine encephalitis in September, the Vermont Department of Health announced on Thursday.
The man, who was in his 70s, was the first person to die from the disease in Vermont since 2012, according to a press release issued by the department. He was hospitalized in late August, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the test results this week, the release stated.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis, often called EEE, is a rare but serious disease transmitted through mosquitoes that is fatal in about 30% of people who develop severe symptoms, according to the CDC. There are no vaccines or treatments for the disease. Symptoms include headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, seizures, behavioral changes and drowsiness, but most infected people do not experience symptoms.
“I extend my condolences to the family and all impacted by this sad event,” said Health Commissioner Mark Levine. “This is a heartbreaking reminder that while infection with the virus that causes EEE remains rare, this disease can have serious consequences.”
One other person contracted the disease this year in Vermont, but recovered after being hospitalized in August. A horse died after contracting the disease in September.
The risk of contracting EEE is “much lower now than it was in August,” according to the department’s press release, but officials continue to urge residents in high-risk communities in parts of Addison, Chittenden, Grand Isle and Rutland counties to take precautions after dark.
This story will be updated.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Chittenden County man dies from Eastern Equine Encephalitis.