Public health threatened after New York confirmed its first mosquito virus-caused death with officials declaring it the East-southern type equine encephalitis in July

Public health threatened after New York confirmed its first mosquito virus-caused death with officials declaring it the East-southern type equine encephalitis in July

In what has been termed the most dangerous type of mosquito borne disease, The New York Governor Kathy Hochul did not limit herself to the East Coast since it is there that this incapacitating Arkansas virus had its first fatality since 2015.

Most of the reported eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) cases have been along the East Coast this year. The disease in the Us is known to mostly occur between the ranges of three to fifteen EEE cases. The most recent report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has shown that there have been this year about 10 recorded cases of EEE in 6 states.

“After confirming the first human case of EEE, it is essential that state my administration came as soon as possible seized large-scale action to prevent harm to our people. With today’s declaration, it seems that we are shifting gears and increasing funds that would be made available at the local health departments for health programs targeting the public,” Hochul stated.

The first recorded fatality of the EEE Fly Makoto was at Ulster County on September 20 The Ulster County Department of Health has launched an active investigation into the patient death.

This public health declaration shall be effective until November 30, 2024.

Hochuls office revealed 18 cases of EEE have also been revealed positive in horses belonging to 12 counties of New York.

To help stop the virus from further spreading, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation will distribute mosquito spray at parks, visitor centers, and camping areas. Likewise, signs shall be fixed in parks and historic places regarding the virus.

Health Commissioner of New York State, James McDonald, mentioned that there have been some surprising turns concerning EEE this year.

“Generally, we find these mosquitoes in two to three counties during one year. However, this year, these mosquitoes have been found in 15 counties throughout the state,” McDonald said. “No vaccine has yet been developed for this incorrigible life-threatening mosquito-borne disease; it should be understood how serious it is.”

EEE is very rarely symptomatic in the majority of the affected individuals. However, the disease kills about 30 percent of the infected individuals who develop serious symptoms. Half of the infected individuals who recover from severe infection have permanent effects.

Certain professionals still have doubts whether some patients’ populations have a higher risk of more advanced cases. A New Hampshire’s man who has passed on this year due to EEE infection had no comorbidity except EEE and was healthily working.

The guidelines for the prevention of EEE disease remain unchanged, and they include wearing protective clothing such as long sleeved shirts, removal of all sources of standing water, and applying EPA registered mosquito repellents.