Fall has arrived, but mosquitoes are still flying around the New York metropolitan area, and with them come mosquito-borne diseases such as eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).
Last month, New York state recorded its first human death from EEE since 2015 in Ulster County, and the state health commissioner declared the disease an imminent threat to public health.
WNYC’s Janae Pierre recently spoke with Brian Bakkenson, an epidemiologist with the New York State Department of Health, about EEE and the risk of mosquito-borne diseases through the end of October, when normal mosquito season ends. They also discussed measures to protect themselves from the disease.
A lightly edited transcript of their conversation follows.
Janae Pierre: What exactly is EEE and why is it currently considered such a serious threat in New York?
Brian Bakkenson: Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is an extremely rare disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes. There have only been 12 cases since the first one occurred in 1971, but what’s most important about this case is how deadly it can be.
Of the 12 cases we experienced, 8 people died. And in general, the general idea about EEE is that 30% to 40% of people who become infected may die.
Gov. Kathy Hochul is coordinating the statewide response. What specific steps is the state taking in high-risk areas to combat the spread of EEE?
One of the things we’re really trying to do is get the word out. One of the best things you can do when it comes to EEE is to encourage people to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites. And I think that’s the main effort that comes with declaring an imminent threat to public health across the state. It will resonate with individuals and providers who can share with others what they can do to protect themselves.
Other efforts currently underway include making mosquito repellent available at state parks, visitor centers, etc., and at state campgrounds. There are certainly people who camp throughout October, but the risk is a little higher because they spent so much time outdoors. And if you’re like me, it’s incredibly easy to get mosquitoes tangled up inside your tent.
What role can local governments and communities here in New York City play in supporting the state’s mosquito control efforts?
We can basically let people know that it’s the right thing to do to wear long sleeves and long pants to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Try to cover as much skin as possible. When it’s very hot, that’s not always possible. Using repellents according to label directions can also be very helpful in avoiding mosquito bites.
There are four products that are very effective when it comes to protection from mosquitoes. They are DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and a chemical called IR3535. DEET is probably the most common, but all four are very effective at preventing mosquito bites.
Make sure you follow the instructions on the label. Make sure you only use the amount you need at a particular time while you’re out and about. For example, with something like DEET, more is not necessarily better. Higher concentrations of DEET mean you are protected for a longer period of time. So standard 25% DEET should protect people for about 4-6 hours, which is usually perfectly fine for most of the time spent outdoors.
When applying it to children, it is important to note that when applying it to children, adults should apply it to their hands before applying it to their faces, and adults should also apply it to children. .
What are the main symptoms of EEE that New Yorkers should be aware of and when should they seek medical attention if they suspect they have been bitten by an infected mosquito?
The “E” at the end of EEE stands for encephalitis, which is swelling of the brain. Brain swelling is usually accompanied by symptoms such as severe headaches, confusion, neurological problems, and not always knowing where you are.
It is also accompanied by fever. Sometimes a rash or other flu-like illness may appear, but those neurological symptoms – confusion and severe headaches – are often the main signs and symptoms seen with EEE.
What practical advice does the New York State Department of Health recommend for New York City residents to protect themselves?
New York City has a very strong mosquito surveillance and control program and has had a large outbreak of West Nile virus this year. West Nile virus is similar to EEE in that it is transmitted by mosquitoes, and many of the messages specific programs put out this summer to protect against West Nile virus also work against EEE. So with a lot of the activity that New York City residents are hearing about West Nile, hopefully just continuing those activities with respect to EEE, we should be in good shape.