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Last week, health officials in Connecticut reported the first death from EEE. The deaths are the first from the virus since 2013.
“Today it has been confirmed that the second person who tested positive for Triple E has died. Both people were older adults one was from East Lyme and the other from Old Lyme,” Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said at a press conference.
“This is a serious public health concern and we wanted to let you know that these are the first deaths from Triple E that have been reported here in our state [since] 2013.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “EEE virus is a rare cause of brain infections (encephalitis). Only a few cases are reported in the United States each year. Most occur in eastern or Gulf Coast states. Approximately 30 percent of people with EEE die and many survivors have ongoing neurologic problems.”
Symptoms of the virus typically appear about four to 10 days after a bite, with some cases progressing to encephalitis. Patients may experience high fever, stiff neck, severe headache and a lack of energy.
“The identification of two Connecticut residents with EEE, one of whom had passed away, emphasizes the seriousness of this infection,” Department of Public Health Commissioner Renee Coleman Mitchell stated. “Using insect repellent, covering bare skin and avoiding being outdoors from dusk to dawn are effective ways to help keep you from being bitten by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes continue to be active until the first heavy frost.”
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