New York resident dies from mosquito-borne disease as experts warn of widening risk | 25 Sept 2024 | New York has reported the state’s first death from Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a disease that spreads through bites from mosquitoes. The patient was the first person to contract EEE in New York since 2015, according to a press release issued by the state on Monday. State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald has declared EEE an imminent threat to public health, which will make more resources available for prevention measures, such as spraying to reduce mosquitoes. The state has announced plans to expand access to insect repellent in parks and campgrounds, and is encouraging New York residents to take steps to protect against mosquito-borne illness.