A resident from New York State has recently tested positive for the rare but serious Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), making it the first human case in nearly a decade. This mosquito-borne virus has been identified in several horses across multiple counties within the state, according to the New York Department of Health.
The individual from Ulster County is currently hospitalized and being treated for their infection. The county Department of Health is investigating this case, with support from the state health officials. The last reported human case of EEE in New York State occurred in 2015.
This year, at least ten cases of Eastern equine encephalitis have been confirmed across the United States, including a deadly case in New Hampshire. Joe Casey, a 54-year-old man from New Hampshire, was left in intensive care on a ventilator after testing positive for three mosquito-borne illnesses, including Eastern equine encephalitis, West Nile, and St. Louis encephalitis.
Eastern equine encephalitis is a rare but serious disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes, as per the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC. While most people who contract the virus do not experience symptoms, early signs of severe cases include headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting. Approximately 30% of Eastern equine encephalitis cases are fatal, with survivors often experiencing neurological impairment.
There is currently no vaccine available for Eastern equine encephalitis. State health officials have advised New Yorkers to take precautions against mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, using insect repellents, and ensuring screens are installed on windows and doors. Additionally, residents are encouraged to eliminate any standing water around their properties where mosquitos can breed, as this has been identified as a key area for infection control.
The state Department of Health is monitoring the situation closely but has not yet provided an update on the Ulster County case at the time of writing.
