N.H. man who died from EEE identified; family issues warning

The family of a man from Hampstead, New Hampshire, who died from an eastern equine encephalitis virus infection is warning members of the public to take precautionary measures.

Steven Perry, 41, had been hospitalized with a “severe central nervous system disease,” officials said on Tuesday. 

“It is with heavy hearts that the family acknowledges that Steven left those that he loved far too soon after being stricken by a sudden and rare brain infection,” Perry’s obituary said. 

Perry died at Massachusetts General Hospital on Aug. 19.

“Given how deadly this virus is, even though it’s rare, the only prevention is doing the things that the news is now encouraging people to do,” Perry’s sister, Susan Hamilton, told Boston 25 News.

Preventative measures include removing standing water from homes to reduce mosquito populations and ensuring doors and windows have tight-fitting screens, health officials say. People can also use mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and avoid being outdoors in the early morning and evening.

“EEEV is a rare but serious disease transmitted to people by infected mosquitoes,” a statement from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services said on Tuesday. “DHHS offers our sympathies to the individual’s family and friends.”

Roughly 30% of those infected with EEE, which has no vaccines or treatments, die, and many survivors suffer from ongoing neurological issues, according to the CDC.

Ten communities in Massachusetts have been raised to “high” or “critical risk” for EEE.

Massachusetts state officials announced Monday aerial and truck spraying against mosquitoes in an effort to prevent EEE. The aerial spraying will take place in parts of Plymouth County, and the truck spraying in southern Worcester County, according to a statement from health authorities.

Perry’s funeral was in Plaistow, New Hampshire, on Aug. 25.

“It was such a tragic, sudden loss, and the progression of this virus is rapid,” Hamilton said. “It’s horrible.”