Dangerous Mosquito-Borne Virus Found in Ulster County

On Sept. 23, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced statewide public health actions to combat eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a mosquito-borne virus that recently caused its first death in New York since 2015. 

The case, which involved an Ulster County resident, was publicly confirmed in a New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) press release on Sept. 20. 

“Following the first confirmed human case of EEE, my administration took statewide action to help protect communities – and with today’s declaration we’re making more state resources available to local departments to support their public health response,” Hochul said. “Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority.”

EEE is a dangerous infection that can sometimes be deadly. Anybody is at risk, but people under the age of 15 and over the age of 50 are more susceptible to severe reactions. It is not transferred person-to-person, people-to-animals or animals-to-people, but anybody can be infected directly through mosquito bites. 

Symptoms typically appear between four and 10 days after being infected, although some who contract the EEE virus may not develop any symptoms. In mild cases, symptoms can vary, but in severe cases, EEE can cause intense headaches, high fever, chills and vomiting, which may progress into disorientation, seizures, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and coma. According to the NYSDOH, “Approximately a third of patients who develop EEE die, and many of those who survive have mild to severe brain damage.”

EEE has no vaccine, so the best way to stay safe is to prevent mosquito bites as much as possible. 

“With the first confirmed human case of eastern equine encephalitis in Ulster County, I urge residents to take the recommended precautions to prevent mosquito bites and the risk of infection,” Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said.

The governor’s office has recommended that state residents wear more long sleeves with tucked in pants, install and/or fix window screens, remove any standing water near the home and use mosquito repellents with DEET, an active chemical effective in making people’s skin difficult to smell for biting bugs. 

As part of Gov. Hochul’s statewide actions, the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is making mosquito repellent available to park visitors at park offices, visitor centers and campground offices. Signs will also be placed in state parks to raise awareness of EEE and encourage safe practices. 

“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,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said.

New Paltz residents can find bug sprays with DEET at various stores around town, including the Walgreens and Tops Friendly Markets locations on Main Street. 

For more information on EEE, visit the New York State Department of Health’s website at www.health.ny.gov.