Autumn has arrived – but the mosquitoes haven’t left.
A New York resident who tested positive last week for a rare mosquito-borne disease has died, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Monday as State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald declared eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) an immediate threat to public health.
The unidentified Ulster County patient, the state’s first confirmed case of human EEE since 2015, was diagnosed Sept. 20 by the Health Department’s Wadsworth Center.
“Eastern equine encephalitis is different this year. While we normally see these mosquitoes in two to three counties each year, this year they have been in 15 counties so far and spread across New York State,” McDonald said in a statement. “There is no commercially available human vaccine. Mosquitoes, once a nuisance, are now a threat.”
At least 10 cases of EEE have been reported across the country this year, with one other death confirmed in New Hampshire. Besides EEE, dengue fever and West Nile virus are the most common mosquito-borne diseases in the US.
More than 5,000 cases of dengue have been reported this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with Florida, New York, California and Massachusetts the hardest hit.
Meanwhile, the CDC says 659 human cases of West Nile have been reported in the U.S. this year.
“We consider New Yorkers to be at risk for West Nile virus every summer,” Jennifer White, a New York state epidemiologist, told NBC News last week. “Your risk may be a little higher this year, especially in parts of the state where we’re seeing more,” such as southern counties.
Here’s what you need to know about mosquitoes as fall begins.
When are the mosquitoes expected to leave?
Mosquitoes are typically active in NYC from April to October, with activity peaking in the summer months when temperatures and humidity are high, according to the city’s health department.
Mosquitoes may be active in early November if the warm weather continues.
Dr. Eric Cioe-Peña, vice president of Northwell’s Center for Global Health, says warmer temperatures and more rainfall are extending mosquito breeding seasons and allowing West Nile and EEE to spread for longer periods in New York. .
This trend “highlights the need for stronger mosquito control and public health measures,” Cioe-Peña told The Post. “New Yorkers should wear a good insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin and should avoid being outside in areas with a lot of mosquito activity at dusk or at night.”
What are the symptoms of EEE?
Patients may experience fever, headache, nervousness, restlessness, drowsiness, vomiting, diarrhea, blue skin, convulsions, and coma.
Symptoms usually appear four to 10 days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito. People cannot pass the virus to each other.
What are the symptoms of West Nile?
Approximately 20% of those infected develop symptoms, which usually appear three to 14 days after a bite.
Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, rash, vomiting and diarrhea.
What are the symptoms of dengue fever?
Symptoms of dengue include high fever, severe headache, especially behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting, and a flat, red rash.
How can I prevent mosquito-borne diseases?
- Use an EPA-registered insect repellent on your skin and clothing when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk
- wear loose, light-colored, long-sleeved clothing, socks, and shoes
- Avoid being outside from dusk to dawn during peak mosquito season
- Fix damaged window and door screens
- Remove small pools of standing water from areas around your home and dispose of items that can collect water such as flower pots and toys
What should I do if I am sick?
If you believe you have contracted a mosquito-borne infection, drink plenty of fluids and rest.
Contact your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if you experience severe symptoms such as high fever, significant headache, stiff neck, muscle weakness, confusion, difficulty breathing, or seizures.
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