New Yorker infected with rare deadly virus from mosquito bite: State asks people to protect themselves from insects

On September 20, New York State reported its first case of EEE, or Eastern Equine Encephalitis, in 10 years, reports ABC.

An Ulster County man has been hospitalized with a rare mosquito-borne virus, the first confirmed human case of EEE reported in the state since 2015.

Deadly virus

“Eastern equine encephalitis is a serious, deadly disease carried by mosquitoes. There is no vaccine for it,” said New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “Even as temperatures cool, mosquito-borne diseases remain a concern. New Yorkers should exercise caution.”

In August, a case of EEE was confirmed in a horse in Ulster County. Earlier this month, two emus in Rensselaer County, New York, also tested positive for virusEEE is not transmitted directly from birds to humans.

On the subject: Mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus have been found in all 5 New York boroughs

This year, 11 cases have been registered in the United States. cases of this virus in humans. Most of them are in the eastern or Gulf Coast states.

In addition to New York, cases have been reported in at least six other states this year: Massachusetts with four, New Hampshire with two, and one each in New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin.

Between 2003 and 2023, at least 196 cases of EEE were reported in the United States, including 176 hospitalizations and 79 deaths.

Precautions and symptoms

The best way to prevent contracting this disease is to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

It is important to use repellents, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, treat clothing and equipment, and take mosquito control measures indoors and outdoors.

"I encourage residents to take recommended precautions to prevent mosquito bites and the risk of infection," said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger.

Most people infected with EEE do not have symptoms, but if they do, they may include:

• fever;
• headache;
• vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• convulsions;
• changes in behavior;
• drowsiness.

About a third of all people who develop severe cases die.