EEE Death Confirmed In Hudson Valley New York, First Since 2015

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) as a rare but serious disease caused by a virus spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms can include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral changes, and drowsiness. Severe cases could lead to death.

It is now confirmed that a New York resident has died from EEE. This marks the first such death in the State nearly a decade.

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According to NBC New York, this New York case of EEE was confirmed on September 20th in Ulster County. Now the Ulster County Department of Health is investigating the case. Eighteen cases of EEE have been in identified in horses across 12 counties in New York State this year.

Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority. 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. We’ve been informed this patient has passed away from EEE, we extend our sympathies and our hearts go out to their family. - Governor Kathy Hochul

There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat eastern equine encephalitis. People living in areas, such as the Hudson Valley, where eastern equine encephalitis virus circulates should protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites.

People of all ages are susceptible to infection, but people over 50 and younger than 15 are at a high risk of acquiring the virus.