New York Declares Public Health Threat from EEE

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) an imminent public health threat following the death of a resident in Ulster County, marking the first human case in the state since 2015. The state will enhance mosquito prevention efforts, including increased spraying and the availability of repellent in state-operated outdoor areas. Health officials noted that EEE has been identified in mosquito populations across 15 counties, raising concerns as these mosquitoes are now considered a significant public health risk. The virus is transmitted through mosquito bites and has no commercially available human vaccine. Precautionary measures are being advised for residents, especially in areas where EEE has been detected, while the Ulster County Department of Health continues to investigate the case. Similar EEE cases have been reported in several other states, highlighting the broader threat posed by this disease.