[Important Information for Employees] Important Public Health Notice: Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) Alert

[Michael Caraballo]

Dear Campus Community,

We are writing to inform you of a recent public health alert regarding Eastern
Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Governor Kathy Hochul and State Health
Commissioner Dr. James McDonald have declared EEE an imminent public health
threat in New York State. Your health and safety is one of our top
priorities, and as such we want you to be informed and to take proactive
steps to stay healthy.

What is EEE?

EEE is a rare but serious viral disease transmitted to humans through the
bite of an infected mosquito. Although rare, EEE can lead to severe brain
infections (encephalitis), and in some cases, it can be fatal.

Individuals who are outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity,
(dusk and dawn) are at a higher risk of infection. The disease primarily
occurs from late summer to early fall.

Symptoms

Symptoms of EEE usually appear 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an
infected mosquito. However, some people infected with EEE may not develop
any symptoms.

The type of symptoms usually depends on the age of the person. People over
age 50 and younger than age 15 are at greatest risk for developing severe
disease. Severe cases of EEE infection begin with the sudden onset of
headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting that may progress into
disorientation, seizures, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and
coma.

Steps to Protect Yourself

There is no human vaccine for EEE. To help reduce the risk of exposure to
EEE, please follow these recommended safety precautions:


   -

   Use Insect Repellent: Apply EPA-approved insect repellents that contain
   DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus when spending time outdoors.
   -

   Wear Protective Clothing: When possible, wear long sleeves, pants, and
   socks to limit skin exposure to mosquitoes.
   -

   Avoid Peak Mosquito Activity: Mosquitoes are most active from dusk to
   dawn. If possible, stay indoors during these hours.
   -

   Eliminate Standing Water: Remove any stagnant water from areas like
   flower pots, gutters, buckets, and bird baths, as these are breeding
   grounds for mosquitoes.
   -

   Install or Repair Screens: Make sure window and door screens are in good
   condition to prevent mosquitoes from entering indoor spaces.


Stay Informed

The Student Health and Counseling Center and the Office of Emergency
Management will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide
updates as needed. Please refer to the New York State Department of Health
<https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/eastern_equine_encephalitis/>
or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
<https://www.cdc.gov/eastern-equine-encephalitis/about/index.html>for
additional information on EEE.

If you have questions or concerns about EEE, please contact the Student
Health and Counseling Center
<https://www.plattsburgh.edu/plattslife/health-safety/health-counseling-center/index.html>
by calling (518) 564-2187 or email healthcenter at plattsburgh.edu



Sincerely,

Student Health and Counseling Center

Office of Emergency Management



-- 

*MICHAEL CARABALLO*

Director, Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

Lower Saranac Hall
101 Broad Street
<https://maps.google.com/?q=101+Broad+Street+Plattsburgh,+NY+12901&entry=gmail&source=g>

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
<https://maps.google.com/?q=101+Broad+Street+Plattsburgh,+NY+12901&entry=gmail&source=g>

(o) 518-564-4950

(f) 518-564-7986

*plattsburgh.edu <http://plattsburgh.edu/>*




* <https://www.instagram.com/sunyplattsoem/>*

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