NEW YORK – A resident of New York has tested positive for mosquito-borne eastern equine encephalitis virus, the state health department said Friday. It is the first human case of EEE in the state in nearly 10 years.
The patient lives in Ulster County and is currently hospitalized, state health officials said. The Ulster County Department of Health is investigating. Earlier this summer, a horse in Ulster County also tested positive for the virus, according to health officials.
The last time there was a human case of EEE in New York State was in 2015.
There has been at least 10 cases of EEE reported across the US this yearincluding a case in New Jersey and a fatal case in New Hampshire.
What is EEE?
According to the state health department, EEE is a rare but serious viral disease spread by infected mosquitoes.
Most people infected with EEE will not develop symptoms, health experts say, but early symptoms of severe cases include headache, high fever, chills and vomiting. It is fatal in about 30% of cases, and those who survive may suffer neurological disability.
There is no vaccine against EEE.
Health officials urge New Yorkers to continue efforts to protect themselves from mosquito bites, such as wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, using insect repellent, putting screens on windows and doors and getting rid of any standing water around yards and homes.