The man that was in critical condition on September 1st for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has died. 

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Indu Gupta, MD, MPH, announced today that the town of Salina resident who was recently diagnosed with the Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE) infection has died. Dr. Gupta explained,

“It is with great sadness that I report to the community that an elderly Onondaga County resident has died as a result of EEE.  Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.  This is the first known case of human EEE in Onondaga County this year and this outcome is a painful reminder of how serious EEE can be.”

According to the Onondaga County Health website, Dr. Gupta explains that EEE infection is a rare but serious viral infection that is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito and can cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. Initial symptoms, which usually start 4-10 days after the bite, can include fever, headache, and vomiting. Illness can then progress to an altered mental status, confusion, seizures, coma, and even death. The greatest risk for infection with this virus is for people, especially the very young and elderly, who spend time outdoors.

According to Syracuse.com, this is the first EEE death since Maggie Wilcox of Oswego died in 2011 at age 4 from the virus. The sixth death in CNY of the EEE virus since 1971.

It is critical that the public continue to take measures to minimize being bitten by mosquitoes until the first hard frost of fall. Up next are tips to protect your self from mosquitoes.

 

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