### Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Declared Imminent Threat in New York After First Death in Nearly a Decade

New York state health authorities have declared an immediate public health threat due to the arrival of the eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus, following the state's first death from the virus in almost ten years. The state's health commissioner, James McDonald, made the announcement this week after confirming that a resident from Ulster County, in the Hudson Valley region, had succumbed to EEE. This is the first reported case in New York since 2015.

The EEE virus typically does not affect humans, as its primary hosts are not people, and the mosquitoes that carry it are usually found in freshwater swamps. However, when it infects humans, the results can be devastating, leading to severe brain infections that result in fatalities about one-third of the time. This makes any outbreak a cause for significant concern. In addition to New York, seven other states have reported human cases of EEE this year, all involving brain infections.

Massachusetts recently recorded its first case of EEE since 2020, followed by another human case and one in a horse. This prompted towns in the state to introduce voluntary evening curfews to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

In response to New York's confirmed case and the subsequent death, Governor Kathy Hochul outlined several measures to combat the spread of the virus. These measures include distributing mosquito repellent at park offices, visitor centers, and campgrounds, installing educational signs about EEE at parks and other outdoor sites, and continuing mosquito spraying efforts until winter conditions naturally reduce the mosquito population.

Commissioner McDonald emphasized the increased activity of the mosquito species capable of spreading EEE in New York, noting that they have been found in 15 counties this year compared to the usual two to three. He urged residents to take precautions such as using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and eliminating standing water around their homes.

Local health officials in Oxford, Massachusetts, have also taken action by enacting a voluntary curfew following the hospitalization of a resident due to EEE. This initiative aims to limit outdoor activities until the first frost of the season, which will help reduce mosquito activity.

While the number of EEE cases nationally is within typical ranges, the heightened mosquito activity in New York demands vigilance. McDonald warned that mosquitoes remain a threat until the arrival of sustained freezing temperatures.

"Mosquitoes, once a nuisance, are now a threat. 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," the health commissioner stated. "Fall is officially here, but mosquitoes will be around until we see multiple nights of below-freezing temperatures."