Sep 21, 2024, 12:00 AM
Sep 21, 2024, 12:00 AM

First human case of Eastern equine encephalitis reported in New York

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Highlights
  • A person in Ulster County, New York, has been hospitalized with Eastern equine encephalitis, the first confirmed human case in the state since 2015.
  • The disease is serious, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, and has a high mortality rate.
  • Health officials are urging residents to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites to prevent further cases.
Story

A person in Ulster County, New York, has been hospitalized due to Eastern equine encephalitis (E.E.E.), marking the first human case of this rare mosquito-borne illness in the state since 2015. The New York State Health Department confirmed the infection, which is particularly concerning given the lack of a vaccine or cure for the disease. Health officials are urging residents to take preventive measures against mosquito bites, especially as cases have been reported in several other states this summer. Eastern equine encephalitis is a serious illness that can lead to severe symptoms, including headaches, fevers, chills, and vomiting. In more severe cases, it can result in seizures, comas, and encephalitis, which is the swelling of the brain. The mortality rate for E.E.E. is alarmingly high, with approximately one-third of cases resulting in death and over half leading to long-term neurological complications. As of mid-September, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had recorded 10 human cases of E.E.E. across the United States, primarily in the Northeast. This uptick in cases highlights the importance of public awareness and preventive strategies to mitigate the risk of infection. Officials recommend several precautions, including wearing long sleeves and pants, using effective mosquito repellent, and staying indoors during peak mosquito activity times, particularly around dusk. These measures are crucial for protecting public health as the mosquito season continues.

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