Fall has arrived — but the mosquitoes haven’t left.
A New York resident who tested positive last week for a rare mosquito-borne illness has died, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Monday as State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald declared Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) an imminent threat to public health.
The unidentified Ulster County patient, the state’s first confirmed human EEE case since 2015, was diagnosed on 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 scattered all over New York State,” McDonald said in a statement. “This life-threatening mosquito-borne disease has no commercially available human vaccine and must be taken seriously. Mosquitoes, once a nuisance, are now a threat.”
At least 10 EEE cases 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 dengue cases have been logged 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 West Nile cases have been reported in the US this year.
“We consider New York state residents 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, particularly in parts of the state where we’re seeing more of it,” such as southern counties.
Here’s what you need to know about mosquitoes as fall gets underway.
When are mosquitos expected to go away?
Mosquitoes are typically active in NYC from April through October, with activity peaking in the summer months when temperatures and humidity are high, according to the city health department.
Mosquitoes may be active into early November if warm weather persists.
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 lots of mosquito activity at dusk or night.”
What are EEE symptoms?
Patients can experience fever, a headache, irritability, restlessness, drowsiness, vomiting, diarrhea, a blue-ish skin tint, convulsions and coma.
Symptoms usually emerge four to 10 days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito. Humans cannot pass the virus to each other.
What are West Nile symptoms?
Roughly 20% of those infected develop symptoms, typically appearing three to 14 days after a bite.
Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, rash, vomiting and diarrhea.
What are dengue fever symptoms?
Dengue symptoms include a high fever, a severe headache, especially behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting, and a flat, red rash.
How can I prevent mosquito-borne illnesses?
- Use an EPA-registered insect repellent on your skin and clothing when you’re outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk
- Wear loose-fitting, light-colored, long-sleeved clothing, socks and shoes
- Avoid being outdoors 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 toss items that can collect water such as flower pots and toys
What should I do if I’m sick?
If you believe you have contracted a mosquito-borne infection, get plenty of fluids and rest.
Contact your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if you experience severe symptoms such as a high fever, a significant headache, stiff neck, muscle weakness, confusion, difficulty breathing or seizures.
