A grievous mosquito - borne virus has landed in New York . This week , state wellness commissioner James McDonald declared that the eastern equine encephalitis ( EEE ) virus has become an imminent public health threat to New Yorkers , following the first case and demise from EEE report in the state in nearly a decade .
EEEonly rarely interact with humans , since we ’re not its natural host and the mosquito that typically spread it live in freshwater swamp . But when the virus does invade our body , it can spark a severe learning ability infection that kills up to a third of victim , so its arrival anywhere is bear on .
Late last month , health officials in Massachusetts report the United States Department of State ’s first causa since 2020 ; before long after , a second case followed , along with a second case in a horse ( despite the name , horses are also an incidental host for the computer virus ) . The sensing of the first typeface prompted at least one nearby townsfolk to enact avoluntary even curfewon outside activities in hope of limiting people ’s exposure to EEE . So far this year , seven states havereportedhuman cases of EEE ( all encephalon infection ) , with New York being the latest .
A colorized microscopic image of EEE viral particles taken from a mosquito’s salivary glands.© Smith Collection/Gado via Getty
The New York typesetter’s case involved a occupier in Ulster County , part of the Hudson Valley part . On September 20 , the State Health Department confirmed that the person had contracted EEE , the first slip in the state attend since 2015 . On Monday , Governor Kathy Hochul announced the resident ’s death and enjoin the state would take several steps to curtail EEE , start with McDonald ’s declaration .
These footmark will include making mosquito repellant uncommitted to park visitor at park authority , visitor shopping mall , and campground offices throughout the province ; displaying signs at parks and other outdoor web site educate people about EEE ; and further supporting ongoing mosquito spray efforts through November , when the mosquitoes will likely in the end die off in the winter .
So far at least , the number of EEE cases visualise in the U.S. this class is in line with the common style . But harmonise to McDonald , the mosquito that can convey EEE have been far more active in New York than normal , having been notice in 15 counties ( up from the distinctive two to three ) . So people should take whole tone to keep secure from these and other bloodsucking mosquito .
“ Mosquitoes , once a pain in the neck , are now a threat . I cheer all New Yorkers to prevent mosquito pungency by using insect repellents , wear long - sleeved habiliment and removing free - standing pee near their homes , ” McDonald said in a statement . “ Fall is formally here , but mosquitoes will be around until we see multiple nights of below freezing temperatures . ”
Mosquitoesnew york
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