Outdoor Safety Reminder: Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) Virus

Published September 25th, 2024
By Abby Schmeichel, Communications Coordinator

Community Update:

We wanted to share some important information with our community regarding mosquito and insect safety, particularly in light of a recent confirmed case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEE) in Ulster County. While EEE remains rare, it’s important to be informed and take precautions.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a virus spread by mosquitoes that can pose health risks to both humans and animals. Although the likelihood of becoming infected is low, it’s always a good practice to stay mindful of general insect-bite precautions, especially during peak mosquito season.

How to Stay Informed:

For those who would like to learn more about EEE and its effects, the New York State Department of Health has provided some helpful resources:

• New York State Health Department Announcement
• EEE Information and Guidelines

General Precautionary Measures:

We encourage everyone to take general precautions when spending time outdoors to minimize exposure to mosquitoes and other insects. These steps include:

• Wear protective clothing: Consider long sleeves, pants, and socks when spending time outdoors, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use insect repellents: Consider using repellents to help deter exposure to mosquitoes and other insects. Cedarcide is a great option for those looking for a strong, plant-based repellent.
• Remove standing water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so be sure to empty any containers like bird baths or buckets around your home regularly.
• Be mindful of tick exposure: When spending time in grassy or wooded areas, make sure to check for ticks after coming indoors. Wearing light-colored clothing can help you spot ticks more easily.
  • If you would like more reading on this topic, check out our blog post on Tick Awareness and Tick Bite Resources.

Stay Safe & Enjoy the Outdoors:

At Wild Earth, we want everyone to safely enjoy their time outdoors. By practicing these general precautions, we can all continue to explore and appreciate nature while minimizing risks.

For any additional questions or concerns, please contact the New York State Department of Health or your local county Department of Health for guidance and updates.