GLENS FALLS, N.Y. — U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is urging federal agencies to allocate more resources for monitoring mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illnesses amid a rise in eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) cases in New York, including a recent human death.
Schumer has called on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to collaborate with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create a plan that involves state and local officials in tracking mosquito populations. He is also advocating for increased funding for the CDC’s vector-borne diseases programs.
During an event in Glens Falls, Schumer warned that the current mosquito season may extend into fall due to recent flooding and a wet summer.
“Today, I am here to launch a two-pronged push to get the feds to step up efforts to support New York and local officials,” he said.
EEE, a serious viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, poses risks to both humans and horses, with individuals over 50 and under 15 particularly at risk. The first human case of EEE in New York since 2015 resulted in a fatality last week in Ulster County. Following this, State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald declared an imminent threat to public health concerning EEE.