CENTRAL NEW YORK -- Two people in the Central New York Region died this year from Eastern Equine Encephalitis. The first was from the town of Salina in Onondaga County and the second was from the Oswego County town of Albion.
For privacy reasons, health officials don't release information about their identity.
A few months ago we introduced you to an EEE survivor from Cicero who became ill last year. Denise Broton now advocates for everyone to take precautions to protect themselves.
Broton has come a long way in the recovery process. She rides her bike and is even able at times to drive a car.
It's a bittersweet time because she's proud of how far she's come but is heartbroken to hear about the recent deaths.
"My heart just, I just felt oh, so sad. I was hoping the person would survive and if they survived I would be able to help them through, of what to expect. This is what will happen," said Broton.
Broton said until we get a frost people still need to be aware of the risks outside. She encourages people to remove standing water, wear long sleeves and use repellant containing DEET.