New York Confirms Death from EEE Following First Case in Nearly a Decade

The first recorded case of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in New York state in almost a decade has resulted in a fatality, as announced by Governor Kathy Hochul’s office on Monday.

The diagnosis was confirmed on September 20 in Ulster County, which is situated along the Hudson River. The state’s Department of Health is currently investigating this case in conjunction with the local county health department.

Following the diagnosis, State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald declared an Imminent Threat to Public Health. This declaration allows the state to mobilize resources for mosquito control efforts, including spraying, which will be in effect from September 30 through November 30, 2024.

Dr. McDonald highlighted the unusual spread of EEE this year, noting that mosquitoes carrying the virus have been detected in 15 counties across New York, a significant increase compared to previous years when the presence was limited to just two or three counties. “This life-threatening mosquito-borne disease has no commercially available human vaccine and must be taken seriously. Mosquitoes, once viewed as mere nuisances, are now a real threat,” he emphasized.

He urged New Yorkers to take preventative measures against mosquito bites. Using insect repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and clearing away standing water near homes are crucial steps. “Although fall has arrived, mosquitoes will remain a risk until we experience several nights of freezing temperatures,” he added.

This New York case is presumed to be at least the eleventh identified instance of EEE in the United States this year, as reported by an ABC News tally. This includes ten cases documented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

EEE cases have also emerged in other states, with Massachusetts reporting four cases, New Hampshire two, and one case each in New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

CDC data shows that between 2003 and 2023, there have been at least 196 reported EEE cases in the U.S., resulting in 176 hospitalizations and 79 deaths.

Most individuals infected with EEE exhibit mild symptoms or none at all. However, severe cases can lead to significant health issues, including fever, headache, chills, and vomiting. This can escalate to more serious conditions such as encephalitis—inflammation of the brain—or meningitis, which is inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

According to the CDC, approximately one-third of individuals who develop severe EEE may die from the illness. Survivors often face lasting physical and neurological complications, including seizures, paralysis, cranial nerve dysfunction, personality disorders, and varying degrees of intellectual disabilities.

Currently, there is no vaccine available for EEE, making it essential for health officials to emphasize mosquito bite prevention as the best line of defense.

To reduce the risk of bites, health officials recommend wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, as well as tucking shirts into pants and pants into socks, particularly at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Additionally, they advise using insect repellent containing DEET, installing screens on windows and doors, and eliminating any standing water around homes where mosquitoes can breed.

Awareness and proactive measures are critical in preventing the spread of this dangerous disease as the mosquito season lingers.

Source: ABC News