A recent government meeting highlighted growing concerns over Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) following a positive test in a horse in the northern part of the county. This marks a significant health alert, as there have been 11 reported cases of EEE in horses across New York State this year, with no prior cases in the county for several years.

The virus, transmitted through mosquito bites, has prompted discussions on how to assess the extent of the problem. Options include mosquito trapping and testing, which the local public health department is currently unable to manage due to resource constraints. A proposal was made to engage a national company specializing in mosquito testing, which would handle all aspects of the process, including trapping, sorting, and shipping samples for analysis. The estimated cost for this service is $5,000 per week, covering testing twice a week in the affected area.

Concerns were raised about the financial implications of such testing, especially given the isolated nature of the current case. Some officials expressed hesitation to invest significant funds based on a single incident, while others emphasized the need for proactive measures, especially in light of recent human cases reported in neighboring states.

To facilitate potential testing, a request has been submitted to the New York State Department of Health to declare an imminent public health effect, which would increase reimbursement rates for related expenses from 36% to 50%. This could significantly impact the financial feasibility of the proposed mosquito testing initiative.

As the mosquito season approaches its end, officials are seeking input on whether to proceed with the testing to better understand the potential risks posed by EEE in the region. The outcome of this discussion could shape public health strategies in the county as they navigate the complexities of mosquito-borne diseases.