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Home / Equine Research Bank / MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep / Eastern equine encephalitis–New Hampshire and Massachu...
MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report2006; 55(25); 697-700;

Eastern equine encephalitis–New Hampshire and Massachusetts, August-September 2005.

Abstract: During August-September 2005, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services reported seven cases of human eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) disease, the first laboratory-confirmed, locally acquired cases of human EEEV disease reported from New Hampshire in 41 years of national surveillance. Also during August--September 2005, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported four cases of human EEEV disease, five times the annual average of 0.8 cases reported from Massachusetts during the preceding 10 years. Four of the 11 patients from New Hampshire and Massachusetts died. EEEV is transmitted in marshes and swamps in an enzootic bird-mosquito-bird cycle primarily by the mosquito Culiseta melanura. Bridge mosquito vectors (e.g., Coquillettidia perturbans, Aedes vexans, or Aedes sollicitans) transmit EEEV to humans and other mammals. This report summarizes the investigations of cases in New Hampshire and Massachusetts conducted by the two state health departments and CDC. The findings underscore the importance of surveillance for, and diagnostic consideration of, arboviral encephalitis in the United States and promotion of preventive measures such as local mosquito control and use of insect repellent.
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Publication Date: 2006-07-01 PubMed ID: 16810146
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research paper reviews the incident of a notable rise in human eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) disease found in New Hampshire and Massachusetts between August and September 2005. The findings emphasized the importance of surveillance and preventive measures against arboviral encephalitis.

Background and Aim of the Study

  • The paper reveals an outbreak of eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) disease in New Hampshire and Massachusetts (US) during August-September 2005. This was the first time in 41 years of national surveillance that locally acquired and laboratory-confirmed human cases of EEEV were reported from New Hampshire.
  • Meanwhile, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health noted four instances of EEEV disease. This was a significant increase from the annual average of 0.8 cases reported over the previous decade. Overall, four out of the 11 patients in New Hampshire and Massachusetts died from the disease.
  • The primary aim of the research was to study this unusual trend, trying to understand the reasons behind the sudden spike, and emphasize the importance of preventive measures.

Methodology and Findings

  • The research outlines the way EEEV is transmitted, primarily via a bird-mosquito-bird cycle in marshes and swamps by the mosquito Culiseta melanura.
  • Bridge mosquito vectors such as Coquillettidia perturbans, Aedes vexans, or Aedes sollicitans transmit EEEV to humans and other mammals. Both the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, along with CDC, conducted thorough investigations into these cases.
  • The findings did not detail the specific reasons for the outbreak, but the researchers underline the need for improved surveillance and diagnostic consideration of arboviral encephalitis in the United States.

Conclusion and Recommendations

  • The report concludes by emphasizing the importance of preventive interventions. It suggests mosquito control and the use of insect repellents as measures to prevent the spread of the EEEV disease.
  • This study provides a clear warning sign for health authorities to remain vigilant and increase efforts in preventing outbreaks of such diseases, especially given the dramatic increase in cases within a short period of time.

Cite This Article

APA
(2006). Eastern equine encephalitis–New Hampshire and Massachusetts, August-September 2005. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep, 55(25), 697-700.

Publication

MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report
ISSN: 1545-861X
NlmUniqueID: 7802429
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 55
Issue: 25
Pages: 697-700

Researcher Affiliations

MeSH Terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Animals
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Culicidae / virology
  • Encephalitis Virus, Eastern Equine / isolation & purification
  • Encephalitis, Arbovirus / epidemiology
  • Encephalomyelitis, Eastern Equine / diagnosis
  • Encephalomyelitis, Eastern Equine / epidemiology
  • Encephalomyelitis, Eastern Equine / transmission
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Massachusetts / epidemiology
  • Middle Aged
  • New Hampshire / epidemiology

Citations

This article has been cited 27 times.
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