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Andrew Feinberg
White Home Correspondent
New York officers introduced an “imminent risk” to public well being this week after a resident died from the state’s first case of mosquito-borne japanese equine encephalitis, or EEE, in practically a decade.
The deceased particular person was a resident of Ulster County, two hours north of New York Metropolis. The case, the state’s first human case since 2015, was confirmed earlier this month.
“We’ve been knowledgeable this affected person has handed away from EEE, we lengthen our sympathies and our hearts exit to their household,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul mentioned.
Japanese equine encephalitis is a uncommon however extreme viral illness, unfold by infectious mosquitoes. Roughly 30 % of those that contract EEE die from the illness, and survivors are sometimes left with neurologic issues. There aren’t any vaccines or drugs to deal with or stop it.
State Well being Commissioner Dr James McDonald issued the declaration to unlock state sources and assist assist response to the virus, together with continued efforts to spray for mosquitoes by way of the top of November.
“Japanese equine encephalitis is totally different this yr,” McDonald mentioned in a press release. “Whereas we usually see these mosquitoes in two to 3 counties every year, this yr they’ve been in 15 counties to this point, and scattered throughout New York State. “
Governor Hochul activated a number of businesses to develop entry to insect repellent at New York parks and campgrounds, and to extend public consciousness of the risk by putting indicators at probably weak websites.
“Maintaining New Yorkers protected is my high precedence,” Hochul mentioned.
The state’s Workplace of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has consulted with native well being departments in affected areas about limiting park hours and tenting availability from nightfall till daybreak, when mosquito exercise is at its peak.
Whereas fall is formally right here, mosquitoes will likely be a risk to New Yorkers till there are a number of days of under freezing temperatures.
Well being officers have additionally reported instances in Massachusetts, Vermont, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, and New Hampshire. There have been at the very least 11 human instances throughout the US this yr.
