In a rare occurrence, the first confirmed human case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) since 2015 has been reported in New York State. The infected person has been hospitalized in Ulster County, located approximately 100 miles north of New York City. Health officials have highlighted that EEE is a serious mosquito-borne illness with no available vaccine or cure, emphasizing the importance of preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted that as of September 17, there have been 10 human cases of EEE reported nationwide. Symptoms of EEE can range from headaches, fevers, and chills to more severe outcomes such as seizures, comas, and encephalitis. Alarmingly, around a third of EEE cases are fatal, and over half result in long-term neurological complications, underscoring the urgency for caution and prevention.

Dr. James McDonald, New York's health commissioner, has stressed the ongoing risk of mosquito-borne illnesses despite the cooling temperatures, and has urged residents to remain vigilant. Mosquito activity is expected to persist until standing water freezes, typically not occurring until mid-October in many areas of New York. With EEE cases reported in several neighboring states this summer, officials recommend protective measures including wearing long sleeves, using mosquito repellent, and staying indoors during peak mosquito activity hours.