EEE death in New York triggers statewide action

ALBANY, N.Y. (WCAX) – The person with the first human case of eastern equine encephalitis in New York since 2015 has died.

Now, the state’s health commissioner has issued a Declaration of Imminent Threat to Public Health for EEE.

After the case was identified in Ullster County on Friday, Gov. Kathy Hochul activated multiple state agencies to expand access to bug repellent at state parks.

Hochul urges residents to follow state recommendations to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.

The Ulster County Department of Health is investigating the case.