Gov. Hochul: Person who contracted NY’s first mosquito-borne EEE cases since 2015 dies

It was confirmed on Sept. 20, and is being investigated by the Ulster County Department of Health.

News 12 Staff

Sep 23, 2024, 8:04 PM

Updated 15 days ago

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A person who was infected with New York’s first human case of eastern equine encephalitis since 2015 has died, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Monday afternoon.
There have been no details released about the victim, other than the mosquito-borne illness was discovered in Ulster County. It was confirmed on Sept. 20, and is being investigated by the Ulster County Department of Health.
According to a news release from the governor, state Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald “issued a Declaration of an Imminent Threat to Public Health for EEE” which “unlocks state resources to help support EEE prevention response and activities by local health departments – including ongoing mosquito spraying efforts – from September 30 to November 30.”
“Eastern equine encephalitis is different this year,” McDonald said in prepared remarks. “While we normally see these mosquitoes in two to three counties each year, this year they have been in 15 counties so far and scattered all over New York State. This life-threatening mosquito-borne disease has no commercially available human vaccine and must be taken seriously. Mosquitoes, once a nuisance, are now a threat. I urge all New Yorkers to prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing and removing free-standing water near their homes. Fall is officially here, but mosquitoes will be around until we see multiple nights of below freezing temperatures.”