A patient died of a mosquito-transmitted virus in Connecticut

A Connecticut resident infected with Eastern Equine Encephalitis has died from the first death related to this disease since 2013, health officials said.

Eastern equine encephalitis is a rare but potentially fatal disease caused by mosquito bites. Several states in the north-east of the country have reported cases of illness in recent weeks, including a second reported death in Massachusetts on Friday.

In Connecticut, in addition to the death of the first person diagnosed this year, health officials have announced that a second person had been tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis.

They urged residents to protect themselves and their children by avoiding outdoor activities from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are the most active.

The patient whose test is positive is an adult who became ill during the second week of September and who remains hospitalized. Laboratory tests of control centers and disease prevention have confirmed the presence of antibodies directed against the virus at the origin of the disease.

"The identification of two Connecticut residents with EEE, one of whom has passed away, points to the severity of this infection," said Renée Coleman Mitchell of the state's Department of Public Health.

"Using an insect repellent, covering the bare skin and avoiding being outside from dusk to dawn are effective ways to prevent you from being bitten by mosquitoes." The mosquitoes continue to be active until the first strong frost. "

Northeastern states have an active season of EEE.

In Massachusetts, there have been 10 confirmed human cases in the Commonwealth. Another patient, Laurie Sylvia, died in August.

Health officials urge people to use an insect repellent, reduce skin exposure and stay indoors once the sun begins to set and dawn.

In addition to the Massachusetts and Connecticut cases, there are confirmed cases in humans in Michigan and Rhode Island. Three people from Michigan and one from Rhode Island have died.

Generally, only five to ten human cases of the disease are reported each year, but about 30% of all cases result in death, according to the CDC. The first symptoms of the disease occur about four to ten days after exposure and may include headache, high fever, chills, body aches and joint pains. It can progress to severe encephalitis or swelling of the brain that can cause tremors, convulsions and paralysis.