Amid rising concerns over mosquito-borne diseases, New York has reported its first death from Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in almost ten years.
According to ABC News, State officials confirmed the death following the first diagnosis of EEE in Ulster County since the early 2010s.
The individual, whose identity has not been released, succumbed to the virus shortly after being diagnosed on September 20, 2024. In response to this case, Governor Kathy Hochul's office announced on the preceding Monday that the death marks an urgent wake-up call for increased vigilance and preventive measures against mosquito transmission in the region.
Health officials know Eastern Equine Encephalitis for its rarity but severe impact, including high fatality rates. Before this year, they recorded the previous cases in New York nearly a decade ago, emphasizing the unusual nature of this year's outbreak.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald stated the increasing prevalence of the disease across multiple counties, marking a significant uptick from the usual two to three affected areas. This has led to heightened surveillance and preventive strategies statewide.
"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. This life-threatening mosquito-borne disease has no commercially available human vaccine and must be taken seriously. Mosquitoes, once a nuisance, are now a threat," Dr. McDonald explained.
Following the diagnosis and the subsequent reporting of the fatality due to EEE, Dr. McDonald declared an Imminent Threat to Public Health, which activated additional state resources for battling the mosquito populations responsible for the spread of the virus.
Mosquito control efforts, including widespread spraying, were scheduled to run from September 30 to November 30, 2024. These measures aim to mitigate the spread of the disease by targeting the mosquito populations while they are still active.
"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. Fall is officially here, but mosquitoes will be around until we see multiple nights of below-freezing temperatures," Dr. McDonald added, emphasizing the importance of community action to prevent further spread.
EEE is classified among the most severe mosquito-borne diseases in the United States, with significant mortality and morbidity rates. Infected individuals may experience symptoms ranging from mild flu-like signs to severe neurological and physical impairments.
Severe cases of EEE can progress rapidly, deteriorating through stages of fever and headache to more critical conditions such as encephalitis and meningitis. Approximately one-third of severe cases, as observed nationally, result in death, while many survivors face lifelong disabilities.
Between 2003 and 2023, the U.S. reported at least 196 EEE cases involving 176 hospitalizations and 79 deaths, which underscores the potentially lethal nature of the disease, as per data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This year, around 11 cases of EEE across the nation demonstrate a rise in episodes outside of New York, touching states like Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
The spread of EEE in these regions underscores the need for continued vigilance and preemptive planning by health authorities across the country to address the potential surge in mosquito-borne diseases.
The urgency of the situation in New York and beyond serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing battle against vectors like mosquitoes, which have potential public health implications, especially without a commercially available vaccine for EEE.
