Health Officials Urge Precautions After Mosquito-Borne EEE Death

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — The Westchester County Health Department said that residents should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites in the wake of a recent death.

News that Steven Perry, a 41-year-old man from New Hampshire, died due to Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a rare but deadly virus spread by mosquitoes has heath officials in the Northeast U.S. on alert.

In Westchester County, no humans have contracted EEE, and no mosquito pools have tested positive for the virus. In nearby Orange County, a horse died after contracting the disease.

See Also:

• Equine Encephalitis Circulating, Horse Dies
• First Confirmed Positive West Nile Virus Cases In Humans
• First West Nile-Infected Mosquitoes Of The Season Found in Westchester

The Westchester County Health Department said it is continuing to monitor and test local mosquito populations for viruses, including EEE and West Nile Virus.

"We encourage all residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their families, including eliminating standing water around their homes, using mosquito repellents, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours, from dusk to dawn," health officials said in a statement on Wednesday.

The Westchester County Health Department is cautioning residents to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in their yards by dumping out standing water from flower pot drip trays, unused kiddie pools, and other places where water can collect after it rains. Those spending time outdoors between dusk and dawn are advised to wear repellents to avoid mosquito bites.

Residents who notice large areas of standing water on public property should report them to the County Health Department at (914) 813-5000.

More ideas on how to reduce the mosquito population can be found here.