New York Reports First EEE Death in Nearly a Decade Amid Surge in Mosquito Activity

State health officials declare Eastern equine encephalitis an imminent public health threat following a significant increase in EEE-positive mosquitoes.

New York has confirmed its first case and death from Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) since 2015, involving a resident from Ulster County.
EEE is a rare but deadly mosquito-borne virus with a mortality rate of up to 30% in humans, causing severe brain infections.
State Health Commissioner James McDonald declared EEE an imminent threat to public health due to an unusual spike in EEE-positive mosquitoes across 15 counties.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced statewide measures including increased mosquito spraying, distribution of insect repellent, and public education efforts.
EEE cases have also been reported in Massachusetts, Vermont, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, and New Hampshire, with a total of 11 cases in the U.S. this year.