‘I’m shocked’: Neighbor near Cicero Swamp reacts to EEE death in Ulster County

BRIDGEPORT, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — That annoying buzzing sound of a mosquito is one that Matthew Sugrue has grown used to after living near the Cicero Swamp for 27 years.

“I usually use bug spray when they are out and during the night time, they get much worse,” said Sugrue, who lives near the swamp. “A lot of people around here are looking forward to the colder months because they all go away for a while.”

But before the cold rolls in, neighbors are doing more to protect their bodies from mosquitoes.

“I’m shocked. You hear about a case here and there over the years of people getting infected with the disease,” said Sugrue. “It’s saddening to hear that someone passed away because of it.”

SUNY ESF Professor Brian Leydet says a migrating bird is the likely suspect in how mosquitoes became infected with eastern equine encephalitis.

“We have the number of birds infected build up. Then mosquitoes who aren’t specific to birds, maybe feed on birds, feed on humans, feed on a horse, act as a vector,” Leydet said. “The more disease in birds, the more likely the disease spills over into humans and animals.”

Symptoms include a mild fever, headaches, muscle aches and stiffness. However, most people will be asymptomatic.

“The groups that are getting infected and having the side effects are the young and the older where their immune symptoms are developing, or they are immunocompromised,” Leydet said.

Leydet recommends wearing long sleeves and long pants, not being outdoors at dawn and dusk, and using repellent with 20% DEET.

If you are experiencing any symptoms, you should immediately contact your physician.

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