Following the death of New York’s first human case of eastern equine encephalitis since 2015, the state has issued a Declaration of Imminent Threat to Public Health.
The case was confirmed in Ulster County on Friday. Human cases have also been reported in Massachusetts, Vermont, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, and New Hampshire.
State Health Commissioner Dr James McDonald issued the declaration which will allow state resources to be allocated to local health departments to prevent EEE from September 30 to November 30.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Eastern equine encephalitis is different this year. 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.”
In addition, mosquito repellent is being made available to guests at state parks and campgrounds. Signs are also being installed at parks and historic sites to raise awareness of the virus.
There is no commercially available human vaccine for EEE. The best protection is to prevent mosquito bites by using mosquito repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors during dusk or dawn, making sure all screens in windows or doors are free from tears, and eliminating standing water on your property.
Last month, two horses in Cayuga County died after contracting the virus. Additionally, a horse in Wayne County contracted EEE.
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