New York’s first confirmed case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in nearly a decade has led to the death of the patient, Governor Kathy Hochul’s office announced on Monday. The diagnosis, which occurred on September 20 in Ulster County, marks a rare and tragic instance of this mosquito-borne illness. The New York State Department of Health is currently investigating the case alongside the county’s health department.
Following the EEE confirmation, State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald declared an Imminent Threat to Public Health, which allows for a statewide response. This includes deploying resources, such as mosquito spraying, which is scheduled from September 30 to November 30, 2024, to mitigate the spread of the disease.
“Eastern equine encephalitis is different this year,” Dr. McDonald stated. “Typically, we only see these mosquitoes in two or three counties. But this year, they’ve appeared in 15 counties across New York.” He further emphasized the seriousness of this life-threatening illness, noting the lack of a commercially available human vaccine and urging New Yorkers to take precautions.
The health commissioner advised residents to use insect repellents, wear long-sleeved clothing, and eliminate standing water around their homes, especially as mosquitoes will remain active until the arrival of freezing temperatures.
The case in Ulster County marks what is likely the eleventh confirmed EEE case in the U.S. this year, as reported by ABC News. Other states affected include Massachusetts (4 cases), New Hampshire (2 cases), and one case each in New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
Between 2003 and 2023, at least 196 cases of EEE were reported in the U.S., resulting in 176 hospitalizations and 79 deaths, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While many people infected with EEE show mild or no symptoms, severe cases can be devastating, often starting with fever, headaches, and vomiting, and progressing to encephalitis (brain inflammation) or meningitis (inflammation of the brain’s surrounding membranes).
The CDC reports that approximately one-third of severe EEE cases result in death, while survivors may suffer from long-term neurological issues such as seizures, paralysis, and cognitive disabilities. Since there is no vaccine for EEE, public health officials emphasize that the best protection is to avoid mosquito bites.
To reduce risk, health officials recommend wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Other preventive measures include using DEET-based insect repellents, keeping windows and doors screened, and removing any standing water that could serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
