NEW YORK — A New York resident has tested positive for the transmitted by mosquitoes Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, the state Department of Health said Friday, marking the first human case of EEE in the state in nearly 10 years.
The patient lives in Ulster County and is currently hospitalized, state health officials said. The Ulster County Public Health Department is investigating. Earlier this summer, a horse in Ulster County also tested positive for the virus, health officials said.
The last human case of EEE in New York State was in 2015.
There have been At least 10 cases of EEE have been reported in the United States this yearincluding one case in New Jersey and a fatal case in New Hampshire.
What is EEE?
According to the state Department of Health, EEE is a rare but serious viral disease spread by infected mosquitoes.
Most people infected with EEE will not develop symptoms, health experts say, but early symptoms of severe cases include headache, high fever, chills and vomiting. It is fatal in about 30% of cases, and those who survive may suffer neurological damage.
There is no vaccine for EEE.
Health officials urge New Yorkers to continue taking steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites, such as wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, using insect repellent, installing screens on windows and doors, and removing standing water from yards and homes.
