First Eastern Equine Encephalitis death in NY in 26 years
OSWEGO -- The Oswego County Health Department has confirmed that the Oswego County resident who was being treated for Eastern Equine Encephalitis has died. This is the first death in New York from the virus known as EEE since 1983. There was another fatality from the rare illness in 1971.
In a late afternoon news release Oswego County Director of Public Health Dr. Dennis Norfleet said, "EEE is a rare but serious viral disease that is spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Its fatality rate is high; between 30 and 70 percent." Dr. Norfleet reminds people who live in the area of Oneida Lake in partcular that the mosquito season is not yet over. He suggests limiting outdoor activity at dawn and dusk.
Dr. Norfleet also recommends taking the following precautions:
● Wear shoes, socks, long pants with bottoms tucked into boots or
socks, and a long sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time and at dawn and dusk.
● Use mosquito repellent over clothes. Repellants containing DEET
are the most effective, but should be used with caution and according to label instructions.
● Repair or replace broken screens in doors and windows.
Onondaga County is planning to spray the Cicero Swamp area tonight at 6:00 p.m. as part of its effort to kill off EEE carrying mosquitoes.
