Governor Kathy Hochul today announced statewide public health measures following news of New York’s first death from Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) since 2015. The case, confirmed on September 20 by the state Department of Health’s Wadsworth Center in Ulster County, is currently under investigation by the Ulster County Department of Health.

State Health Officer Dr. James McDonald has issued a declaration stating that EEE poses an imminent threat to public health. The declaration releases state funds to support local health departments’ EEE prevention efforts and activities – including ongoing mosquito control – from September 23 to November 30, 2024.

Immediately after the EEE case was confirmed, the Governor activated several state agencies – including the Department of Health, Department of Environmental Protection and Parks Administration – in a vigorous, coordinated response to increase access to insect repellent in state parks and campgrounds, increase community outreach and urge New Yorkers to follow recommendations to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

“The safety of New Yorkers is my top priority,” Said Governor Hochul. “Following the first confirmed human case of EEE, my government has taken action nationwide to protect the population. With today’s declaration, we are providing more government resources to local authorities to support their public health measures. We have been informed that this patient has died from EEE. We would like to express our condolences and sympathy to his family.”

The State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation provides mosquito repellent to park visitors at park offices, visitor centers and campground offices. State Parks is posting signs in parks and at historic sites to raise awareness of electrical and electronic equipment and has consulted with local health officials in affected areas to limit park hours and campground availability during the hours of peak mosquito activity.

In addition, DEC is posting signs at DEC facilities, campgrounds, popular Hudson Valley trailheads, environmental education centers and other state lands to raise awareness about EEE. DEC and State Parks are also informing guests with campground reservations about preventive measures they can take to avoid mosquito bites. DOH, DEC and State Parks are also launching a social media campaign to raise awareness about EEE and other mosquito-borne pathogens and to highlight measures to avoid mosquito bites, including using repellent, covering exposed skin and avoiding outdoor activities at dawn and dusk.

State Health Officer Dr. James McDonald said: “Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis is different this year. While we typically see these mosquitoes in two to three counties each year, so far this year they have been in 15 counties and scattered throughout New York State. There is no commercially available human vaccine for this life-threatening mosquito-borne disease and it must be taken seriously. Mosquitoes, once a scourge, are now a menace. I urge all New Yorkers to avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing and removing standing water near their homes. Fall is officially here, but the mosquitoes will be there until we experience several nights of sub-freezing temperatures.”

Randy Simons, interim State Parks Commissioner, said: “We encourage park visitors and outdoor enthusiasts to become familiar with the risks of electrical and electronic equipment and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. We will continue to coordinate with the state Department of Health and local health officials to take additional recommended steps to address this issue.”

Sean Mahar, interim commissioner of the US Environmental Protection Agency, said: “Eastern equine encephalomyelitis is a serious concern, especially for those who spend time outdoors enjoying the fall weather. DEC will continue to work closely with our state and local partners to ensure New Yorkers are aware of the risks and the precautions they can take to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.”

The most recent human case in New York State was identified by the Wadsworth Center. Other states, including Massachusetts, Vermont, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Wisconsin and New Hampshire, have also reported cases of EEE in humans this year. This year, 18 cases of EEE in horses have been identified in 12 New York State counties.

Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE) is a rare but serious viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes that can affect humans and horses. People of all ages are susceptible to infection, but people over 50 and under 15 are at high risk of contracting the virus.

While most people bitten by an infected mosquito do not develop symptoms, severe cases can begin with sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting. The disease can then progress to disorientation, seizures, encephalitis, and coma. Approximately one-third of patients who develop EEE die, while many patients who survive EEE suffer neurological damage.

There is no commercially available vaccine against EEE for humans. The best protection is to avoid mosquito bites.

To reduce the risk of infection with electrical and electronic equipment and other mosquito-borne diseases, the following precautions are recommended:

• Consider wearing long sleeves and tucking your pants into your socks or shirt into your pants when you are outdoors at dawn or dusk, as mosquitoes are most active at this time of day.
• Use insect repellent containing DEET. Be sure to follow the directions on the insect repellent label. Children should not come into direct contact with insect repellent. Instead, adults should apply the insect repellent to their hands first and then gently spread it on the child’s exposed skin. Avoid applying directly to children’s hands. After returning home, wash your child’s treated skin and clothing with soap and water or bathe the child.
• Make sure that the windows and doors of your home have fly screens. Make sure that the fly screens do not have any cracks, holes or other damage.
• Remove standing water in gardens and around the home and property where mosquitoes can breed, including plastic containers, pool covers, wading pools, ceramic pots, clogged drains and wheelbarrows. Also change the water in birdbaths twice a week.

For more information on EEE, visit the DOH website.