A dangerous mosquito-borne virus has landed in New York, with State Health Commissioner James MacDonald declaring the virus an immediate public health threat to New Yorkers this week after the state reported its first cases and deaths from Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in nearly a decade.
EEE rarely comes into contact with humans because humans are not its natural host and the mosquitoes that typically spread it live in freshwater marshes, but its introduction anywhere is a concern because once the virus gets inside the body, it can cause a severe brain infection that can kill one-third of patients.
Late last month, Massachusetts health officials reported the state’s first case since 2020. A second case was reported soon after, as well as a second case in a horse (which, despite its name, is also an incidental host for the virus). Following the detection of the first case, at least one nearby town voluntarily implemented a nighttime curfew for outdoor activities, aimed at limiting people’s exposure to EEE. So far this year, seven states have reported human cases of EEE (all brain infections), with New York being the most recent.
The New York case involved a resident of Ulster County, part of the Hudson Valley region. On September 20, the state health department confirmed that the person had EEE, the first confirmed case in the state since 2015. On Monday, Gov. Kathy Hockal announced the resident’s death and said the state would take several steps to curb EEE, starting with McDonald’s declaration.
“Following the first confirmed human cases of EEE, my administration has taken steps across the state to protect our communities, and today’s proclamation provides increased state resources to local governments to assist them in their public health response. I am saddened to hear that this patient has passed away from EEE, and my heartfelt sympathies go out to the family,” she said in a statement released by the governor’s office.
These measures include providing mosquito repellent to park visitors at park offices, visitor centers and campground offices across the state, posting signs in parks and other outdoor locations to educate people about EEE, and supporting additional mosquito control efforts ongoing through November, when mosquitoes are expected to finally die off for winter.
So far, at least, the number of confirmed EEE cases in the US this year appears to be on track with normal. But MacDonald said the mosquitoes that carry EEE are much more active than usual in New York, with cases in 15 counties (up from two to three in normal years), so people should take steps to protect themselves from these and other blood-sucking mosquitoes.
“Mosquitoes, once a nuisance, are now a threat and we urge New Yorkers to prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and eliminating standing water near homes,” McDonald said in a statement. “Fall has officially arrived, but mosquitoes will remain a presence until we experience multiple nights of sub-freezing temperatures.”
