Spotlight: Fatal Eastern Equine Encephalitis in the Hudson Valley

For the first time in nearly a decade, a case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a fatal disease spread by mosquitos, has been confirmed in the Hudson Valley.

As the name entails, EEE generally affects horses, and while a horse in Wallkill, NY has recently died as a result of the deadly virus, the spotlight is on something rarer: a human case that has recently been confirmed in Ulster County.

A horse in Wallkill, NY has recently died from a case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (canva)

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Confirmed in Ulster County, NY

In August, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the Ulster County Government confirmed that a horse had died as a result of EEE. Nearly a month later, officials confirmed another case, this time affecting an Ulster County resident.

First Human Case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in New York Since 2015

On September 20th 2024, the NYSDOH shared that an Ulster County, NY resident was the first human to contract the virus since 2015, and is currently hospitalized in Albany, NY. Unfortunately, EEE has no vaccine, but officials are still urging residents to take several specific precautions.

Official Advice for Mosquito Protection in New York State

The advice provided by the health department mirrors most general mosquito protection guidelines. Since mosquitos are most active in dawn and dusk hours, wearing long sleeves, pants, and even pants tucked into socks are all recommended to prevent bites. Insect repellents is recommended as well.

"Mosquito-Proof" Your Home

Hudson Valley, NY residents should also check the "mosquito proofing" of their homes, with advice including inspecting window screens for holes, and making sure that doors or windows without screens are not left open. Keeping properties free of standing water, where mosquitos breed, can help as well.

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How Dangerous is Eastern Equine Encephalitis for Humans?

The good news is that in most cases, people bitten by mosquitos carrying EEE will not develop symptoms. In some instances, however, like the recent case in Ulster County, the virus can be severe. EEE can cause seizures, encephalitis (brains swelling) and comas, with a roughly 33% mortality rate.