The first person in ten years to die from electrical and electronic equipment in New York

23 September 2024 —

The person who contracted New York’s first case of Eastern equine encephalomyelitis in nearly a decade has died. The case was confirmed in Ulster County in the Hudson Valley.

In response, Governor Kathy Hochul mobilized numerous state agencies and declared the situation an imminent threat to public health.

EEE is transmitted by infected mosquitoes and can affect humans and horses. Most infected people do not develop symptoms, but those who do develop symptoms may experience a flu-like illness with fever, chills, aching limbs and joint pain.

In the most severe cases, which are rare, Triple E can be fatal in about a third of people.

At the beginning of the summer, a man in New Hampshire died from electrical and electronic devices.

Triple-E has killed horses throughout the North Country, including in Clinton, Franklin, St. Lawrence and Washington counties.

Hochul said state authorities will increase mosquito spraying, distribute insect repellent in state parks and campgrounds, and post signs throughout the state with information about electrical and electronic equipment.

Authorities are urging people who are outdoors after dark to use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing. People should also remove standing water near their homes. Even though it is fall, mosquito season will continue until several nights of sub-freezing temperatures kill off the insects.

This story was updated on 09/23/24 at 4:30 p.m. after it was announced that the infected person had died.