New Hampshire
Person dies in New Hampshire after contracting EEE as Northeast states warn of mosquito-borne virus
How to repel mosquitoes
Check out some mosquito repellents just in time for the summer.
A person in New Hampshire has died after contracting the eastern equine encephalitis virus.
EEE is a rare disease transmitted by mosquitoes; only 11 human cases are reported annually on average, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Several people, horses and mosquitoes around the Northeast have tested positive for the disease this summer.
A resident of Hampstead, New Hampshire was hospitalized due to severe central nervous system disease and passed away due to the illness, according to a Tuesday release from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. The department declined to release the identity or time of death of the individual.
“We believe there is an elevated risk for (EEE) infections this year in New England given the positive mosquito samples identified,” New Hampshire state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan said in the release. “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.”
‘Take extra precautions’: Massachusetts towns warn about rare, lethal mosquito-borne virus
Officials around the Northeast urge precautions due to EEE risk
While EEE is rare, roughly 30% of cases end in death, and many survivors have ongoing neurologic issues, according to the CDC. The virus is most common around Eastern or Gulf Coast states, and researchers have also warned that climate change is giving rise to mosquitoes as they thrive in warm, humid weather.
The CDC has identified four human EEE cases in 2024, in Wisconsin, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Vermont. The agency did not respond to USA TODAY’s request for updated tracking in light of the New Hampshire case.
EEE has also been found in horses or mosquitoes in several other states including Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Officials in some counties have urged residents to take precautions, and a Massachusetts town even closed public parks and fields from dusk until dawn.
Massachusetts’ most recent outbreak began in 2019 and left six dead.
How to protect yourself from EEE
Eastern equine encephalitis is spread to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes. The virus can cause a fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral changes, and drowsiness, according to the CDC.
Most people infected with eastern equine encephalitis do not develop symptoms, the CDC said. People of all ages are susceptible to infection, but people over 50 and younger than 15 are at greatest risk.
There is no treatment or vaccine for EEE, but people in high-risk areas can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites, which are most likely to happen from dusk to dawn. Take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and protect against potential exposure to the mosquito-borne illness:
- Use insect repellent.
- Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Use air conditioning and window screens to prevent mosquito bites indoors.
- Dump out containers of water near your home to eliminate breeding grounds.
Contributing: Mike Murphy, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, Henry Schwan, Telegram and Gazette
The federal government has activated the New Hampshire National Guard’s 157th Air Refueling Wing in connection with the war with Iran.
“I’ve had a briefing myself, a classified briefing, but it’s really important on the messaging on this that we really coordinate with the Pentagon,” Gov. Kelly Ayotte told reporters during a press briefing following Wednesday’s Executive Council meeting.
Ayotte said she was unable to share additional details about the nature of the New Hampshire National Guard’s activity related to the conflict, including how many guard members have been activated or what role they are playing.
“We’re going to respect what messaging comes out of the Pentagon just to make sure that our men and women in uniform are fully protected and that we aren’t providing any information that could be used in a way that would be harmful to them,” Ayotte said.
In a statement Thursday, Ayotte said the unit had been deployed in late February to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of the operation.
Earlier this week, Pentagon officials confirmed that members of the Vermont National Guard were involved in attacks against Iran over the weekend, though our news partners at Vermont Public were not able to confirm additional details on the nature of the operation.
During the briefing with local reporters, Ayotte also stressed her support for servicemembers and those close to them.
“I have such respect for our men and women in uniform,” Ayotte said. “As you know, I come from a military family, and they have our full support, and we appreciate them and their families, and obviously anyone who is serving right now, and my thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost someone that they love.”
By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org
CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.
An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.
Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.
Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment.
He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.
“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.
The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.
McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.
“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.
Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.
If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.
The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.
New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads.
The governor said she does not support a toll increase.
“We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase,” Ayotte said. “Families are struggling.”
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