UPDATE: NH Man Dies from Eastern Equine Encephalitis

UPDATE: The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services says a person from Hampstead, New Hampshire has died after being infected with the mosquito-borne virus Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

ORIGINAL STORY:

The Maine CDC says a wild turkey in Burnham has tested positive for the mosquito-borne virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

The bird is the first animal in the state to test positive for EEE this year.

It is also the third mosquito-borne virus found in animals or mosquitoes this year.

According to the Maine Centers for Disease Control:

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a disease caused by a mosquito-borne virus. EEE virus can cause disease in humans, horses, and some bird species. EEE virus can be found in the eastern half of the United States, including in Maine.

EEE virus spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. Though it is rare, EEE is very serious. Anyone can get EEE, but people who spend time outdoors are at the highest risk.

Many people infected with EEE have no obvious symptoms. In people who do develop illness, symptoms occur 4 to 10 days after an infected mosquito bite. Symptoms typically last 1-2 weeks.

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