Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is an uncommon but dangerous illness transmitted by the bite of a mosquito carrying the virus. CBC
Vermont's health department has issued a warning to residents in several towns, including one near Quebec, advising them to stay indoors from dusk to dawn due to the risk of a mosquito-borne illness. The towns of Alburgh, Burlington, Colchester, and Swanton are currently at high risk for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a rare but serious disease spread by infected mosquitoes.
EEE, though uncommon, can be life-threatening. The virus is primarily transmitted through mosquitoes that typically feed on certain bird species. However, when these mosquitoes bite humans or other mammals, the virus can be passed on, making humans "accidental hosts." According to the Vermont Health Department, "With climate change, the chances of this virus being transmitted to humans and other mammals might increase."
Residents are urged to protect themselves by using insect repellent and wearing long, light-coloured clothing. The health department also recommends eliminating standing water around homes, where mosquitoes might breed. The Vermont Department of Health has detected an increase in mosquito groups testing positive for EEE this season—47 groups across 11 towns compared to 14 groups in three towns last year. A human case of EEE was also identified in Chittenden County this August, the first since 2012 in Vermont.
In neighbouring New Hampshire, health officials recently reported the death of a resident who tested positive for EEE. As the virus poses a significant risk, Vermont state health officials strongly advise residents in high-risk towns to avoid outdoor activities between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. until the first hard frost, which typically kills off mosquitoes. This precautionary measure could extend to more towns if additional mosquito groups test positive for the virus.
There are no vaccines or specific treatments available for EEE. The disease can lead to encephalitis, or brain inflammation, which can be fatal in about one-third of severe cases. Most people infected with EEE do not show symptoms, but those who do might experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, and joint pain.
Despite the concern, experts in Quebec believe the risk to residents is low. Dr. Karl Weiss, head of infectious diseases at a major hospital, mentioned that most people either don't develop symptoms or the symptoms are too mild to seek medical attention. Even when symptoms are present, doctors may not test for EEE. Dr. Alex Carignan, a microbiologist and infectious disease specialist, added that Quebecers shouldn't worry excessively, noting that EEE is "a very rare virus."
However, Dr. Donald Vinh, another infectious disease expert, cautioned that the increased detection of EEE in the U.S. could be a sign of climate change's impact on the frequency and severity of outbreaks. He noted that shifts in bird migration patterns, influenced by changing seasons, could prolong the virus's life cycle between birds and mosquitoes, leading to more infections.
For now, people are encouraged to take steps to avoid mosquito bites, and in the long term, consider how climate-related activities might be exacerbating the issue.
