New York Confirms Resident Died from EEE

ALBANY, N.Y. - New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared the spread of mosquito-borne illness eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus to be a threat to public health following the death of an Ulster County man, which was confirmed on Sept. 20 by the State Health Department’s Wadsworth Center. It is the first human case of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in New York since 2015.

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued a Declaration of an Imminent Threat to Public Health for EEE. The Declaration unlocks State resources to help support EEE prevention response and activities by local health departments – including ongoing mosquito spraying efforts – from Sept. 23 – Nov. 30.

Immediately after the case of EEE was confirmed Gov. Hochul activated multiple state agencies – including the Department of Health, Department of Environmental Conservation, and Parks Department – to expand access to insect repellent at sate parks and campgrounds, increase public outreach and urge New Yorkers to follow recommendations to reduce risk of mosquito-borne illness.

The recent human case in New York State was identified by the Wadsworth Center. Other states, including Massachusetts, Vermont, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Wisconsin and New Hampshire, have also reported human EEE cases this year. Eighteen cases of EEE have been in identified in horses across 12 counties in New York State this year.

Source: www.health.ny.gov