Hochul announces statewide action after New Yorker dies from mosquito-spread EEE​

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Gov. Kathy Hochul announced new statewide measures on Monday to protect New Yorkers after the first human case of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) since 2015 resulted in a death in Ulster County.

The case was confirmed by the State Health Department on Sept. 20 and is being investigated by the Ulster County Health Department.

“My top priority is keeping New Yorkers safe,” Hochul said. “After the first confirmed human case of EEE, we’ve taken statewide action to protect communities and are making more resources available to support local health departments. We send our condolences to the family of the patient who passed away.”

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued a Declaration of an Imminent Threat to Public Health for EEE, unlocking state resources to help local health departments with prevention efforts, including mosquito spraying, from Sept. 30 to Nov. 30.

The EEE virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, according to the CDC . These cases are rare in the U.S., with an average of just 11 human cases reported annually.

Hochul activated multiple agencies, including the Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), to provide insect repellent at state parks and campgrounds, raise public awareness, and urge New Yorkers to follow mosquito prevention tips.

State Parks and DEC are posting signage at parks, campgrounds, and other state lands to inform visitors about EEE and encourage preventive measures, such as using insect repellent and avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk).

A social media campaign is also being launched to raise awareness about mosquito-borne illnesses.