Media Contact
With the death of a man in New Hampshire from Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus as well as some New England towns encouraging people to stay inside after dusk, there’s been a renewed focus on the mosquito-carried virus and what it can mean to humans.
Laura Harrington
Professor of Entomology
Laura Harrington, a professor of entomology at Cornell University, studies human and animal-mosquito interactions.
Harrington says:
“Eastern equine encephalitis virus is a rare but potentially deadly virus transmitted by mosquitoes. Usually, 4-8 severe human cases are reported annually. However, we occasionally have a year with an unusually high number (up to 38) of human cases. Although EEE sickness is rare, 30% of those who get sick will die; survivors can have long-lasting nervous system problems.
“Mosquito monitoring in New York and other Northeast states indicates a higher-than-normal level of EEE-infected mosquitoes in some areas this year.
“While there is an effective vaccine for horses, no vaccine or medicine is available for humans. Our best prevention strategies are to avoid evening activities when infected mosquitoes may bite or to cover exposed skin and wear an EPA-approved repellent.”
