Published 15:37 IST, October 5th 2019
Third victim succumbs to mosquito-borne EEE virus in Connecticut, USA
Third victim succumbs to mosquito-borne EEE virus in Connecticut, the US in last week of September reported Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- World News
- 2 min read
A resident of Connecticut has reportedly died of EEE (Eastern equine encephalitis) in late September. The victim was a resident of East Haddam, Connecticut health officials stated. He was in his sixties and had only become infected a week earlier, they added. The disease spreads by the mosquito bite and has been spreading through the Northeast USA. A third Connecticut resident has died and another is fighting for their life, said reports. About 9 people also died of the disease in 2019.
Rise in death due to EEE
On an average, about 7 people die every year due to the virus in the US as per Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Yet this year multiple cases have been recorded in New Jersey and Connecticut with a total casualty of 9 people. Dr. Matthew Cartter of the state’s Department of Public Health said to the media that the increase was unprecedented in Connecticut. The region had records of only one case of EE in 2019, he added.
Other casualties and infections
Reports mention the other person to be between the age of 40 to 49 years and still under treatment. The hospital authorities have stated that the person belongs to Colchester and was infected in late August. CDC further reported the death of a third person from the brain infecting virus. To date, no vaccine has been invented against the virus. Dr, Carter said that the infections spread between August 11, 2019, and September 8 which is asserted as the peak period of mosquito activity in Connecticut.
About EEE
EEE virus, commonly called Triple E or sleeping sickness, is a zoonotic alphavirus and arbovirus present in North, Central, and South America, and the Caribbean. It is a rare cause of brain infections in humans. Only a few cases are reported in the United States each year, stated CDC. Reports suggest that most cases occur in eastern or Gulf Coast states. The fatality rate of people infected with EEE stands at 30% and many survivors have ongoing neurologic problems.
Updated 17:20 IST, October 5th 2019