For the first time in nine years in the County of Suffolk was discovered the mosquito vector of Eastern equine encephalitis (encephalomyelitis) (EEE).
The disease is fatal not only for horses but also for humans. County health Department warns residents about the need to avoid contact with mosquitoes.
The mosquito was discovered in Manorville last week and subsequent testing confirmed the results.
Experts say human cases are rare. Across the country, an average of 10 people a year are infected with the disease. In Suffolk County there was not a single case, and in new York in 1950 was only 12 occasions.
However, because the mortality rate is about one-third of the patients, and effective methods of treatment of the disease is not present, the officials concerned.
«The reason why this kind of encephalic less common among people is that the vector — the mosquito Culiseta melanura — usually do not feed on human blood,» said Commissioner of health Suffolk County Dr. James Tomarken. «Nevertheless, the virus can be transmitted to people and horses through the intermediary links, which represent other types of mosquitoes infected via feeding on blood of infected birds».
Why the virus suddenly appeared in Suffolk is not clear, but the previous summer was drier and some believe that the increase in rainfall this year can be considered as one of the reasons.
In response to finding the Department of health Suffolk County has issued a Declaration of imminent threat to public health in connection with the discovery of the mosquito vector of the virus, which gives local authorities the right to take specific actions to combat the mosquito population.
Spraying should take place in the near future.
