Hochul Activates NY State Response After Person Dies of Eastern Equine Encephalitis

Chris Gagnon, field operations manager for the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project, points out a paint marker to identify that a storm drain has been treated for mosquito control in Burlington, Mass., on July 8, 2020. Charles Krupa/AP Photo

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Sept. 23 she is activating multiple agencies and more coordination between state and local health departments after a person died from eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).

EEE is a rare but potentially severe viral disease transmitted to humans and horses through an infected mosquito.

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued a Declaration of an Imminent Threat to Public Health for the disease, which allows state resources to be used for EEE prevention and activities by local health departments. That includes mosquito spraying, which will continue through Nov. 30.

The death from EEE occurred in Ulster County, and it was the state’s first human case of EEE since 2015.

“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,” said McDonald in a statement.

Indicating that EEE is a life-threatening mosquito-borne disease with no available vaccine, McDonald said it 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,” McDonald said. “Fall is officially here, but mosquitoes will be around until we see multiple nights of below freezing temperatures.”

Aside from mosquito spraying, the governor announced there will be insect repellent available to visitors at state parks, campgrounds, and visitor centers.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority,” Hochul said in a press release. “With today’s declaration we’re making more state resources available to local departments to support their public health response. We’ve been informed this patient has passed away from EEE, we extend our sympathies and our hearts go out to their family.”

The State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is placing signs at parks and historic sites to raise awareness of the disease and has consulted with local health departments about limiting park hours and camping during peak mosquito activity in affected areas.

The State Department of Environmental Conservation is also posting signs at environmental education centers, popular Hudson Valley trails, and other facilities about EEE.

A social media campaign is also being launched to raise awareness of EEE and steps that can be taken to avoid mosquito bites.

Other states including Massachusetts, Vermont, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, and New Hampshire, have also reported human EEE cases this year, according to the CDC.

Eighteen cases of EEE have been identified in horses across 12 counties in New York this year. Numerous other states have also reported cases of EEE in horses.

According to the CDC, symptoms of EEE usually emerge within four to 10 days after a mosquito bite, although some people don’t develop symptoms.

EEE can cause fever or neurologic disease, including meningitis or encephalitis.

Approximately a third of those who develop severe EEE die, and death typically occurs two to 20 days after the onset of symptoms. Those who do recover from EEE can suffer with long-term physical or mental problems, according to the CDC.