Epidemiology
Several states in the northeast US have seen increased virus activity since 2004. Between 2004 and 2006, there were at least 10 human cases of EEE reported in Massachusetts. In 2006, approximately 500,000 acres (2,000 km2) in southeastern Massachusetts were treated with mosquito adulticides to reduce the risk of humans contracting EEE. There have been several human cases reported in New Hampshire as well.
In October 2007, a citizen of Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland became the first European victim of this disease. The man had visited New Hampshire during the summer of 2007 on a fishing vacation, and was diagnosed as having EEEV on 13 September 2007. He fell ill with the disease on 31 August 2007, just one day after flying home.
EEEV is closely related to Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus and Western equine encephalitis virus.
On July 19, 2012 the virus was identified in a mosquito of the species Coquillettidia perturbens in Nickerson State Park on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. On July 28, 2012 the virus was found in mosquitos in Pittsfield, MA.
Read more about this topic: Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus