New York State Health Department Warns of Mosquito Bites

A 4-year old child from Oswego County died on Sunday from the Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus or EEE – a mosquito carried virus that causes serious illness and death. The state Department of Health is urging residents across the state to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.  Proper mosquito repellent and/or wearing long pants and long sleeves can fight off mosquitos.

The West Nile Virus is suspected to be prevalent on Long Island and New York City while EEE is at highest risk in Onondaga, Oneida, Madison and Oswego counties.  There have been no confirmed cases of West Nile here in New York, thus far.  However, last year around this time, there were 13 reported human cases.

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Eastern Equine Encephalitis can affect people and horses.  There can be a range of symptoms to no symptoms of the virus.  However, known symptoms resemble the flu with a fever, headaches and fatigue, but can also be so serious as to cause seizures or possibly a coma.

As for the West Nile Virus, most people don't experience any symptoms while 20 percent become infected with mild symptoms like a fever, headache, or body aches.  Sometimes a skin rash or swollen lymph nodes can occur.