Warning Of Dangerous Health Crisis In New York State

Many New York residents are loving that the warm weather we’ve experienced across the state this summer is extending into fall, but officials warn it could come with dangerous consequences. 

Warm, summer-like temperatures may mean we’ll be spending more time outside this fall; however, that means mosquitoes will too– and some of them have been detected to have a deadly virus. 

More Cases Of Mosquito-Borne Illnesses Could Be Found In New York

Longer stretches of warm weather are giving infected mosquitoes more time to breed, and potentially endanger humans.  

West Nile Virus, the most common cause of mosquito-borne illness in the United States, is one threat New Yorkers are concerned about. However, a virus that is even more dangerous 

What Is EEE?

Eastern equine encephalitis, more commonly known as EEE or Triple E, is another type of mosquito-borne illness that’s much more rare than West Nile, but also much more fatal. 

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Similar to West Nile, EEE is carried by mosquitoes that feed on infected birds and mammals, and is transmitted to humans via a mosquito bite. 

The Dangers Of EEE

A person infected with EEE may suddenly develop symptoms like headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting, with serious cases developing into disorientation, seizures, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and coma.

According to the CDC, approximately 30% of people who develop severe EEE die, and many cases who survived the illness develop neurological issues.  

EEE Been Found In New York State

Although an EEE hadn’t been detected in the state since 2015, the dangerous illness was found to cause the recent death of a resident in Ulster County. 

Since then, the New York State Department of Health declared EEE an “imminent threat to the public,” and officials are taking measures like displaying signs at parks, giving more access to bug spray to places like campgrounds, and spraying public areas to warn the public.

Additionally, they’re urging residents to take precautions to protect themselves, like using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and removing free-standing water near their homes.

Even though this warm fall weather makes us want to spend more time outside, let’s be sure to protect ourselves when we do.