Media Release
FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: July 1, 1998
CONTACT: Robert J. Marshall Jr., Ph.D. 401-222-2231(HEALTH), or Robert Ballou, 401-222-4700 (Environment)
Health Department Announces Death Due To Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
Providence, Rhode Island: The Department of Health announced that the June 21, 1998 death of Harry T. Marsocci was determined by the State Medical Examiner to be due to Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The cause of death was confirmed earlier today by laboratory tests from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
In a joint media briefing, Dr. Patricia A. Nolan, Director of Health (DOH) and Andrew H. McLeod, Director of Environmental Management (DEM) discussed the implications of this finding. "All the early evidence pointed away from EEE as the cause of death," said Dr. Nolan. "This disease is serious, but extremely rare; only 5-10 cases are reported each year in the entire nation. It does turn up from time to time. We want to reassure the public about steps being taken to monitor the situation and avoid any additional cases."
Eastern Equine Encephalitis is caused by a virus carried by many species of swamp breeding mosquito. The mosquito acquires the virus by feeding on the blood of infected wild birds. Occasionally the virus is passed on to mosquitoes known to bite humans and horses. The virus cannot be passed from person to person or from horses to humans.
"It is highly unusual for an instance of EEE to occur at this time of year," said Director McLeod of the Department of Environmental Management. "Our tests to date and those for Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York have come back negative for EEE. There are lots of mosquitoes this year, due to the unusually heavy rain, but nothing else indicates any unusual risk."
EEE virus can affect the brain. Symptoms appear 5 to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and include high fever, headache and confusion. The disease is fatal in 30-50% of cases. There have only been five cases (2 deaths) reported in Rhode Island since 1983. The last case was reported in 1993. According to the State Medical Examiner’s report in this case, the index of suspicion was sufficient that although the possibility of the disease was remote, all potential causes were investigated in an effort to establish the cause of death and protect the public health.
Directors Nolan and McLeod both emphasized actions that Rhode Islanders can take to reduce mosquito bites. These include:
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Eliminating mosquito breeding grounds
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Emptying and removing old tires, buckets and other debris that holds water
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Fill in low spots in lawn which collect standing water
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Keep roof gutters clean and free of anything that keeps them from draining
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Repair window and door screens
The Department of Environmental Management conducts a regular weekly sampling program for EEE at 18 locations throughout the state during the summer. This program will continue through October. To date, no evidence of EEE has been detected in any of the samples that have been collected. In view of today’s developments, the Department will increase the intensity of its trapping program to determine whether there is a problem involving EEE in the state.
The Department is also taking action on several other fronts. These include: a convening of the EEE Advisory Committee tomorrow; continued implementation of a technical assistance program to aid cities and towns in their efforts to enact appropriate mosquito control measure; and an increased emphasis on the Department’s routine efforts to educate visitors to the state’s recreational facilities regarding routine measures they can take to avoid contacts with mosquitoes.
For more information from DEM on the EEE issue, call 789-6280 or 222-2783. Or visit the EEE website at www.uri.edu/research/eee.
For speech or hearing impaired, 1-800-745-5555 (TTY)
Department of Health Website: www.health.state.ri.us
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