Health experts are sounding the alarm as the eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus continues to spread in the north-western United States. In response to the growing threat, one town in Massachusetts has taken the precautionary measure of closing its parks and fields each evening, while four other towns are urging residents to avoid outdoor activities at night.

The seriousness of the disease was tragically highlighted with the recent death of a New Hampshire resident, who was infected with the mosquito-borne EEE virus. This marks the first reported case in the state in a decade, according to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. The resident, an adult, had been hospitalized due to severe central nervous system symptoms.

Eastern equine encephalitis poses a significant health risk, with approximately one-third of those infected experiencing fatal outcomes. Survivors often suffer lifelong mental and physical disabilities. Furthermore, there is currently no vaccine or antiviral treatment available for the disease, which can manifest as flu-like symptoms and progress to severe neurological complications, including inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes.

Dr. Richard Ellison, an immunologist and infectious disease specialist at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center, emphasized the severity and lack of treatment options for EEE. "When it does cause an infection, it is very, very severe. Although it's a very rare infection, we have no treatment for it," he said. "Once someone gets it, it's just - all we can do is provide supportive care, and it can kill people."

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) typically records around 11 cases of eastern equine encephalitis in humans per year. In a grim reminder of the virus's impact, two out of three individuals infected in New Hampshire in 2014 lost their lives.

As the situation escalates, health officials have detected the EEE virus in one horse and several mosquito batches in New Hampshire this summer. Additionally, cases have been reported in Massachusetts and Vermont. Dr. Ellison explained that mosquitoes carrying the virus can be found in areas that were once swamp land but have since been developed, as they can still find suitable habitats.

In response to the increasing threat, public health authorities in affected states are urging residents to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites. This includes using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity times in the early morning and evening. It is also crucial to eliminate any standing water where mosquitoes breed.

Dr. Benjamin Chan, an epidemiologist in New Hampshire, emphasized the need for preventative measures, stating, "We believe there is an elevated risk for EEEV infections this year in New England given the positive mosquito samples identified. The risk will continue into the fall until there is a hard frost that kills the mosquitoes. Everybody should take steps to prevent mosquito bites when they are outdoors."

In Massachusetts, authorities are taking proactive steps to mitigate the spread of the EEE virus. Several towns have issued advisories, urging residents to avoid outdoor activities at night. Furthermore, spraying initiatives are scheduled to commence in select communities to curb mosquito populations and prevent further transmission.

As the threat of eastern equine encephalitis looms over the north-western United States, it is crucial for residents to remain vigilant and prioritize mosquito bite prevention measures in order to mitigate the risk of infection.