1st human case of mosquito-borne illness EEE reported in NY in almost a decade

ULSTER COUNTY, N.Y. (1010 WINS) — A human case of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) was reported in New York for the first time in nearly 10 years, the NYS Department of Health announced Friday, and officials are encouraging New Yorkers to take personal protective measures to avoid mosquito bites.

The case was reported in Ulster County, situated in the Hudson Valley, and health officials said that the affected individual is hospitalized. The Ulster County DOH is aware of the case and is investigating.

“With the first confirmed human case of eastern equine encephalitis in Ulster County, I urge residents to take the recommended precautions to prevent mosquito bites and the risk of infection,” Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said.

EEE is a rare but severe viral disease that is spread by infected mosquitoes and can affect both people and horses. Though people of all ages can be infected, those over 50 and under 15 are considered high-risk, the DOH said.

The last human case of EEE in New York was reported in 2015, but in August 2024, there was a confirmed case of EEE in a horse in Ulster County. Though horses are not able to spread the disease to humans or other horses, the case confirmed the presence of EEE-infected mosquitoes in the area.

Massachusetts, Vermont, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Wisconsin and New Hampshire have also seen human cases of EEE this year.

“Eastern equine encephalitis is a serious and fatal mosquito-borne disease with no vaccine,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “[Mosquitoes,] once a nuisance, are now a threat. It’s important that we prevent mosquito bites using insect repellants, wearing long sleeve clothing and removing free standing water near our homes.”

Most of those bitten by an infected mosquito will not develop symptoms, but severe cases may begin with the sudden onset of a headache, high fever, chills and vomiting, health officials said. The illness can then progress into disorientation, seizures, encephalitis and coma.

About one-third of those who develop EEE die, and many who survive experience neurologic impairment, the DOH said.

There is no commercially-available human vaccine, making mosquito bite prevention the best protection from EEE.

Health officials encourage New Yorkers to wear long sleeved clothing and to tuck in pants when outdoors at dawn or dusk, use insect repellents containing DEET, secure screens in the windows and doors of the home and eliminate all standing water in yards and around the home.

“Even though temperatures are getting cooler, mosquito-borne illnesses are still a risk and New Yorkers must be cautious,” McDonald said.

More information about EEE can be found on the state DOH website .