The first human death in New York state from eastern equine encephalitis since 2015 is renewing the push to protect residents from mosquitoes.

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald declared EEE an imminent threat to public health for the EEE virus, opening up state resources for local agencies attempting to stop mosquitoes from spreading it. It is something counties around the state are monitoring.

Scientists say climate change is affecting the patterns of mosquitoes, like the ones carrying the virus. 

New Yorkers may have noticed more mosquitoes this summer. University at Albany professor Oliver Timm said this is a result of climate change. As temperature trends increase, so do conditions for mosquito populations to grow. 

“Everything speeds up a little bit," Timm said. "So the production of mosquitoes, the life cycle goes up, the activity goes up of mosquitoes and that leads to the consequences that they bite more often infected birds.” 

What You Need To Know

  • The eastern equine encephalitis virus, or EEE, has been found in horses around New York and killed a person in New York state for the first time since 2015

  • Experts say climate change is causing mosquito populations to grow and have longer lifespans

  • Warmer temperatures are also bringing the virus from areas that are typically more tropical 

With this growing population of blood-sucking insects comes an increased likelihood that more of them carry disease, like the mosquitoes carrying eastern equine encephalitis. The disease has killed horses in the state and for the first time in New York since 2015, has claimed the life of a person, that of a person in Ulster County. 

“We are concerned with a number of emerging infectious diseases, in particular, diseases that spread northwards," Timm said. "These diseases usually come from more tropical warmer climates.” 

The UAlbany professor said there isn’t too much that can be done to specifically target the mosquito population as a result of climate change, but folks should instead practice caution when going out in certain areas. 

“That could mean also on a hot, humid day to wear long sleeves," he said. "When you go out into forested areas and hiking, EEE, for example, the mosquitoes that carry this virus likes habitats that are swampy, forested regions.” 

Since this case of EEE broke, Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced coordination from departments like state health and the DEC to increase mosquito repellent access, as well as raising awareness.