A person in New York died from Eastern equine encephalitis. The Governor declared it a health threat. The illness is transmitted by mosquitoes. There have been cases in other states too. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported cases in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. There have been ten cases nationwide before the New York case. The person in New York was confirmed on Sept. 20. The last case in New York was in 2015. To prevent the spread of the disease, the state will provide mosquito repellent at parks and raise awareness with signs. They will also limit park hours during peak mosquito times. The person who passed away has not been identified. This is the second death related to E.E.E. in the US this year.
Vocabulary List:
- Encephalitis /ˌɛn.səˈfæl.ɪ.tɪs/ (noun): An inflammation of the brain often caused by infection.
- Transmitted /trænzˈmɪtɪd/ (verb): To pass something from one person or place to another.
- Awareness /əˈwɛr.nəs/ (noun): Knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.
- Repellent /rɪˈpɛl.ənt/ (noun): A substance that is used to repel animals or insects.
- Limit /ˈlɪm.ɪt/ (verb): To set restrictions on something; to keep within a certain range.
- Threat /θrɛt/ (noun): A statement or indication of intention to cause harm or danger.
How much do you know?
What illness caused the death in New York?
How was the illness transmitted?
Which states had reported cases of Eastern equine encephalitis according to the CDC?
When was the person in New York confirmed to have the illness?
How will the state prevent the spread of the disease?
How many deaths related to Eastern equine encephalitis have occurred in the US this year?