Hear that buzzing in your ear? Don’t just slap at that mosquito, keep them away from you! That’s the news from New York state as officials react to the first death of a person from eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) there since 2015.
The state considers the problem so serious, it’s giving away mosquito repellent to visitors to all Empire State parks.
Mosquito outbreak—bite could be fatal
The State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is making mosquito repellent available to park visitors at park offices, visitor centers, and campground offices.
State Parks is placing signage at Parks and Historic Sites to raise awareness of EEE and consulted with local health departments in affected areas about limiting park hours and camping availability during hours of peak mosquito activity.
What can you do to avoid getting a potentially deadly bite? Use repellent, and cover exposed areas of skin. And timing is important—avoid outdoor activity at dawn and dusk.
Outbreak is different this year
What’s the big deal? Don’t we fight with the pesky critters all the time? “Eastern equine encephalitis is different this year,” says Dr. James McDonald, the State Health Commissioner. “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. 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.”
OK, it’s September, shouldn’t the mosquitos be dropping off? “Fall is officially here,” acknowledges McDonald, “but mosquitoes will be around until we see multiple nights of below-freezing temperatures.”
Mosquito outbreak in multiple states
Are you safe if you avoid New York state? Massachusetts has reported the highest number of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) cases in the U.S. for 2024, with four confirmed cases. Ten communities there are currently classified as high or critical risk for EEE.
New Hampshire has reported two cases of EEE this year, while New Jersey and Rhode Island have each confirmed one case. Additionally, several other states have reported EEE cases in animals, including Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, South Carolina, Vermont, and Virginia.
Looks like wherever you go, particularly Back East and in the South, you’re wise to stock up on mosquito repellent—and use it.
##RVT1176b
Why don’t they spray the area regularly instead of making people put that stuff on their skin?
That’s silly!
On my skin, mosquito repellent turns to an attractant so I never put the stuff on me.
Be careful out there. The other day I read that mosquitoes are drawn to people who drink beer. Not fun.
I’ll stay out west and enjoy my beer..
Thank you, Russ and Tina! 🙂 This seems quite serious. Thank you for the warnimg! Have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂