New York has reported the state’s first death from Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE), a disease transmitted through mosquito bites.

The patient was the first person to be infected with EEE in New York since 2015, according to a press release issued by the state on Monday.

“The safety of New Yorkers is my top priority,” Governor Hochul said in a statement.

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“Following the first confirmed human case of electrical and electronic equipment, my government has taken nationwide measures to protect the population. With today’s declaration, we are providing more government resources to local authorities to support them in their efforts to protect public health.”

New York has reported the state’s first death from Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE), a disease transmitted through mosquito bites. (iStock)

“We have been informed that this patient has died of EEE. We would like to express our sincere condolences and our thoughts are with his family.”

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald has declared electrical and electronic equipment an imminent threat to public health, which will increase funding for preventive measures such as mosquito-reducing spraying.

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The state has announced plans to expand access to insect repellent in parks and campgrounds and is urging New York residents to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases.

What is EEE?

Eastern equine encephalomyelitis is caused by a virus The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which calls EEE a “rare but serious illness.”

Only a few cases are reported in the United States each year, most of them in the East or Gulf Coast states, according to the agency’s website.

Some cities in the northeast have imposed voluntary curfews due to the increasing number of electrical and electronic devices. (iStock)

Humans and other animals who become infected with the virus are considered “killers,” according to the CDC, meaning they cannot transmit the virus to mosquitoes that bite them.

“EEE is only transmitted to humans through mosquito bites and cannot be transmitted directly from other humans or horses,” Dr. Kurt Vandock, PhD, a public health expert and vice president of strategic growth at Mosquito Squad in Maryland, told Fox News Digital.

The patient was the first person to become infected with EEE in New York since 2015.

Common symptoms of EEE include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, stiff neck, seizures, behavioral changes, and drowsiness.

These usually occur five to ten days after the bite.

“Most people have no symptoms; others just get a mild, flu-like illness with fever, headache and sore throat,” Vandock said.

According to experts, using insect repellent containing DEET can help protect against mosquito bites. (iStock)

“In people with a central nervous system infection, sudden fever (39.4 to 41.4 °C), severe headache and stiff neck may be rapidly followed by seizures and coma.”

The disease can be fatal, resulting in death in 30% of those infected. According to the CDC, it can also lead to chronic neurological deficits.

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“The best way to confirm disease is with a recognized and accurate test performed by a physician,” Vandock said.

“Eastern equine encephalomyelitis is a serious disease with rapid onset of symptoms,” he warned.

“If you live in an area with known electrical and electronic activity and have flu-like symptoms after a mosquito bite, you should seek medical attention immediately.”

Concern about wider contagion

In addition to New York, cases of electrical and electronic equipment exposure in humans have been reported in the states of Massachusetts, Vermont, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Wisconsin and New Hampshire.

“We are always concerned when lives are threatened by vector-borne diseases,” Vandock said.

“The increasing viral load and transmission rates follow this trend. This is a sign that measures are needed to reduce the risk of transmission,” he continued.

The most common symptoms of EEE include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, stiff neck, seizures, behavioral changes, and drowsiness. (iStock)

“Every case of vector-borne disease is one too many.”

When asked why cases are occurring more frequently in the northeastern states, Vandock said there is no simple answer.

“Favorable weather patterns, high population density, strong presence of the primary vector and seasonality – coinciding with increased outdoor activity – can create the perfect storm for rapid transmission,” he said.

“Every case of vector-borne disease is one too many.”

The black-tailed mosquito (Culiseta melanura), the main vector of EEE, is found in large numbers in the northeastern United States, according to Vandock.

“It is known to feed primarily on birds, but not usually on humans,” he said. “Therefore, it is generally believed that transmission of EEE to humans and horses occurs via ‘bridge vectors’ that can acquire the virus from infected birds and then transmit it to other hosts.”

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The mosquitoes that act as “bridge vectors” are found in the northeastern areas where transmission takes place, the expert noted.

The risk of contracting the EEE virus is highest during the summer months – especially toward the end of summer when people start going outside again as temperatures drop, Vandock said.

One expert noted that the mosquitoes that act as “bridge vectors” are found in the northeastern areas where transmission occurs. (iStock)

“Anyone who lives or works near wetlands and swamps is also at increased risk,” he said.

In the Midwest, a similar EEE outbreak occurred in Michigan in 2019, Vandock noted, as many schools canceled extracurricular activities following the number of deaths from the disease.

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“Current trends suggest that with increasing globalization, population density, diversity of suitable hosts and a favorable climate, the incidence of EEE and other vector-borne diseases will increase,” he added.

Dr. Marc Siegel, chief medical analyst at Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Centersaid he was not concerned about the increase in cases.

“It’s still a very slight increase and it’s limited to mosquito transmission,” he told Fox News Digital, adding that he expects only “isolated cases” in other parts of the country.

Treatment and prevention

Currently there are no vaccine in Eastern equine encephalomyelitis, and supportive care is the only option for treating symptoms.

During a Zika virus outbreak in Miami, Florida in 2016, a mosquito control inspector sprays pesticides to kill mosquitoes. (Getty Images)

Educating the public about the risks, promoting the use of mosquito repellent and controlling the mosquito population through spraying are the best ways to prevent infection, experts say.

For more articles on health, see www.foxnews.com/health

New York State has issued the following recommendations for prevention.

1. When outdoors during times of high mosquito activity, such as dusk or dawn, wear long-sleeved clothing, long pants and socks.
2. Use insect repellents that contain DEET.
3. Make sure all windows and doors have fly screens.
4. Eliminate standing water in outdoor areas where mosquitoes like to breed.