September 26, 2024 | 00.21
READING TIME: 1 minute
Eastern equine encephalitis is on alert in the U.S. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared the mosquito-borne disease “an imminent threat to public health” after the first human case of the disease in New York state since 2015 died in Ulster County. Hochul urged residents to follow recommendations to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, activated more state agencies and strengthened coordination among state and local officials.
Eastern equine encephalitis, according to the New York state announcement, is a rare but serious viral disease spread by infected mosquitoes and can affect horses and humans. People of all ages can contract the disease, but those over 50 and under 15 are at increased risk.
While most people bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus do not develop symptoms, severe cases may suddenly develop headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting; symptoms may later progress to disorientation, convulsions, encephalitis, and coma. About a third of patients who develop the disease die, and many who recover suffer neurological damage. There is no commercial vaccine for Eastern equine encephalitis. The best protection is to avoid mosquito bites.