A New Yorker is dying of mosquito-borne diseases, as experts warn of an increasing risk

New York has reported the state’s first death from Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a disease spread by mosquito bites.

The patient was the first to receive an EEE contract in New York since 2015, according to a statement released by the state on Monday.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority,” Governor Hochul said in a statement.

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“After the first confirmed human case of EEE, my administration took steps to protect communities — and with today’s announcement, we are making more federal resources available to local departments to support their public health response.”

“We have been informed that this patient has passed away at EEE; our condolences to his family.”

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald declared EEE an imminent threat to public health, which will make more resources available for preventive measures, such as spraying to reduce mosquitoes.

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The state has announced plans to expand access to insect repellent in parks and campgrounds, and is encouraging New Yorkers to take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases.

What is EEE?

Eastern equine encephalitis is an encephalitis caused by a virus that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which describes EEE as “a rare but serious disease.”

Only a handful of incidents are reported in the US each year, most on the East or Gulf Coast, the agency said on its website.

Some cities in the Northeast have implemented voluntary lockdowns due to the increase in EEE cases. (Stock)

Humans and other animals that get the virus are considered “extinct hosts,” the CDC says, meaning they can’t spread the mosquitoes they bite.

“EEE is only spread to humans through mosquito bites, and cannot be transmitted directly by other humans or horses,” Dr. Kurt Vandock, PhD, public health expert and VP of strategic growth for Mosquito Squad in Maryland, told Fox News Digital. .

The patient was the first person to contract EEE in New York since 2015.

Common symptoms EEE includes fever, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, neck stiffness, seizures, behavioral changes and drowsiness.

This usually occurs five to 10 days after the bite.

“Most people have no symptoms; others experience mild illness such as fever, headache and sore throat,” said Vandock.

Using insect repellents containing DEET can help protect against mosquito bites, experts say. (Stock)

“In people with a central nervous system infection, sudden onset of fever (103º to 106º), severe headache and stiff neck can be quickly followed by unconsciousness and coma.”

The disease can be fatal, causing up to 30% of deaths. It can also lead to permanent neurological deficits, according to the CDC.

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“The best way to confirm any illness is through an approved and accurate test administered by a medical professional,” Vandock said.

“Eastern equine encephalitis is a serious disease with rapid onset of symptoms,” he warned.

“If you live in an area with known EEE activity and have flu-like symptoms after a mosquito bite, you should seek medical attention immediately.”

Worry about widespread infection

In addition to New York, other states that have reported human EEE cases include Massachusetts, Vermont, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Wisconsin and New Hampshire.

“Any time health is put at risk by vector-borne diseases, we’re concerned,” Vandock said.

“As the viral load increases and infection rates follow this trend, it is a sign that intervention is needed to reduce the risk of infection,” he continued.

Common symptoms of EEE include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, neck stiffness, seizures, behavioral changes and drowsiness. (Stock)

“One case of any vector-borne disease is too many.”

As for why crimes are more prevalent in the northeastern states, Vandock said there is no easy answer.

“Favorable weather patterns, high population density, high presence of the primary vector and the time of year – coupled with increased outdoor activity – can create a perfect storm for rapid transmission,” he said.

“One case of any vector-borne disease is too many.”

The black-tailed mosquito (Culiseta melanura), the main vector of EEE, can be found in abundance in the Northeastern United States, according to Vandock.

“It is known that it eats a lot of birds, but it rarely eats people,” he said. “As a result, transmission of EEE to humans and horses is generally thought to occur through ‘bridge vectors,’ which acquire the virus from infected birds and transmit the virus to other hosts.”

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Mosquitoes that act as “bridge vectors” can be found in northeastern areas where infection occurs, the expert noted.

The risk of contracting the EEE virus is greatest during the summer months — especially in late summer, when people go back outside as temperatures cool, Vandock said.

Mosquitoes that act as “bridge vectors” can be found in northeastern areas where infection occurs, the expert noted. (Stock)

“Anyone who lives or works near wetlands and wetlands is also at great risk,” he said.

The Midwest saw a similar outbreak of EEE in 2019 in Michigan, Vandock noted, as many schools canceled after-school activities after multiple deaths from the disease.

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“Current trends suggest that with increased globalisation, population density, a variety of skilled owners and a favorable climate, the incidence of EEE and other animal-borne diseases will increase,” he added.

Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical commentator for Fox News and professor of clinical medicine NYU Langone Medical Centerhe said he is not worried about the increase in cases.

“It’s still a very small hypothesis, and it’s only found in mosquito transmission,” he told Fox News Digital, adding that he expected only “small cases” in other parts of the country.

Treatment and prevention

There is currently there is no goal of Eastern equine encephalitis, and supportive care is the only way to treat symptoms.

A mosquito control inspector sprays insecticide to kill mosquitoes during the Zika virus outbreak in Miami, Florida, in 2016. (Getty Images)

Educating the public about the risk, encouraging the use of mosquito repellents, and spraying to control the mosquito population are the best ways to prevent infection, according to experts.

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New York State has issued the following prevention recommendations.

1. Wear long sleeves, pants and socks when outside during peak mosquito activity times, such as evening or early morning.
2. Use insect repellents that contain DEET.
3. Make sure there are screens on all windows and doors.
4. Remove standing water from outdoor areas where mosquitoes often breed.