First EEE Virus Death in Nearly a Decade Reported in New York — Health Officials Act
A state resident in New York has died due to the rare and serious mosquito-borne virus known as Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), making it the first confirmed case in nearly 10 years in the state. The news has led health officials to declare a public health emergency.
EEE in New York: First Case of EEE Since 2015
That patient in Ulster County was found to have EEE on September 20, by the New York State Health Department. A police press release on Monday said Governor Kathy Hochul had called the victim’s family to convey her condolences. Local health officials are investigating the case, with state officials stepping up measures to avoid more spread of the virus.
Proclamation of a State Public Health Emergency
The diagnosis prompted State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald to issue a Declaration of Imminent Threat to Public Health. That declaration enables state resources, including the spraying of mosquito breeding grounds, to assist local health departments involved in the fight against the virus. The recommended prevention, which involves mosquito control, has been extended to November 30, 2024.
Governor Hochul said statewide action will be crucial and the administration is providing additional resources for public health response in order to support communities. Bug repellent and more signage will be at parks, trailheads and other public areas to alert visitors about the dangers of EEE.
EEE — A Rare Mosquito-Borne Illness
Eastern equine encephalitis, a rare but serious viral illness transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected mosquito. Common flu-like symptoms are fever, headache, chills and vomiting, with most infected individuals showing no symptoms. And a third of severe cases are deadly, while survivors frequently suffer lasting neurological effects.
New York is seeing more widespread transmission of the virus this year. There have been EEE-carrying mosquitoes in 15 counties, up from the usual two or three, Dr. McDonald said. No human vaccine was currently accessible so the virus was deemed as a high-level threat, he said.
Precautionary Steps and People Alertness
The state agencies, including the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Parks Department are also increasing access to insect repellents at public sites. When mosquito activity picks up, signage warning visitors may increase and some parks or campgrounds could have reduced hours.
Health experts recommend that New Yorkers protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants; using bug spray containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus; and eliminating standing water in which mosquitoes breed. But the invasion of mosquitoes will continue until the region has its first couple nights of below-freezing temperatures.
Nationwide EEE Cases
New York Death The death in New York is the second fatality from EEE in the U. S., this year, -the first one was reported from Massachusetts. In August, a man from New Hampshire who was 41 years old too died of the virus. Overall EEE cases in the United States hit 10 so far this year, with other reports from Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin.
Conclusion
When a New Yorker succumbed to Eastern equine encephalitis earlier this month, it set off public health alarms across an entire state. Given the larger number of cases this season compared to previous years, state officials are moving quickly to try and protect others most at risk. Health authorities are still urging residents to be on their guard and take the same steps against mosquito bites until cooler temperatures set in.