A Potentially Deadly Virus Spread By Mosquitoes Found In New York State

A rare, but dangerous virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes has been discovered in New York State. The Madison County Health Department announced yesterday, Wednesday, August 10, 2022, that it found positive samples of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus in mosquitoes in the county. The sample was found on August 3, at a trap site on Smith Ridge Road in the Town of Sullivan. The mosquito that was carrying it is a bird-biting species.

Madison County Public Health Director Eric Faisst wants people to help prevent bites,

Residents should take steps at home to prevent mosquito bites. Avoiding mosquito bites is the single best thing to do. Apply insect repellent when you are outside and limit outside activity between dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. We live in areas where mosquitoes thrive and cannot be eliminated, so we must be vigilant with our personal protection.

The symptoms of encephalitis infections include sudden high fever, muscle pains, and a headache. If you experience any symptoms, contact medical personnel immediately.

According to Yale Medicine, eastern equine encephalitis or triple 'E' is rare, with one case per 10 million people in the United States last year, however, it is potentially deadly,

EEE is also exceptionally dangerous. About one in three people who become severely ill with the virus die. Severe cases occur when people develop the virus’s most fatal symptom: brain inflammation or swelling, called encephalitis. About half of all survivors of encephalitis suffer permanent neurological damage.

 

The Deadliest Insect On Earth Is All Over New York State Right Now

The honor of being the deadliest insect goes to the mosquito.

Mosquitoes kill 1 million people per year

New York State is home to 70 species of mosquitos and they are active now through October. They carry several types of potentially deadly viruses that can be transmitted to humans, which is what makes them killers. According to Laura Harrington, a professor of entomology at Cornell University,

Mosquito season generally lasts from the end of April and into October in New York state, but mosquitoes may emerge before April if the spring climate is unusually warm. Unfortunately, mosquito season has been starting earlier and ending later in northern temperate regions due to warming global temperatures.

There are no vaccines available for the viruses mosquitos carry, which include Zika virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus, and West Nile virus. Some species of mosquitos are most active during the day, from dusk to dawn, while other species are active all day.

New York State's Health Department offers these tips to help keep mosquitos away from your home:

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