"Eastern equine encephalitis is different this year," McDonald said, noting the deadly nature of the infection, which has a mortality rate of between 30 and 50 percent. "Mosquitoes, once a nuisance, are now a threat," McDonald added. "I urge all New Yorkers to prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and removing free-standing water near their homes. Fall is officially here, but mosquitoes will be around until we see multiple nights of below-freezing temperatures."
The disease is very rare in New York. Between 1971 and 2024, there were only 12 cases of EEE reported in the state; seven cases were fatal.
On Monday, McDonald issued a Declaration of an Imminent Threat to Public Health for EEE, and Governor Kathy Hochul announced statewide actions to prevent infections. At the same time as the declaration, the officials reported the death of a New Yorker who developed EEE. The case, which was confirmed in Ulster County on September 20, is the state's first EEE case since 2015.
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