Babesia microti, Upstate New York

Five cases of human babesiosis were reported in the Lower Hudson Valley Region of New York State in 2001. An investigation to determine if Babesia microti was present in local Ixodes scapularis ticks yielded 5 positive pools in 123 pools tested, the first detection of B. microti from field-collected I. scapularis in upstate New York

Molecular Epidemiology of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, New York

Southern strains are undergoing amplification, perpetuation, and overwintering in New York

Dead Crow Density and West Nile Virus Monitoring, New York

New York State used the health commerce system to monitor the number of West Nile virus (WNV) human disease cases and the density of dead crows. In each year from 2001 to 2003 and for the 3 years combined, persons living in New York counties (excluding New York City) with elevated weekly dead crow densities (above a threshold value of 0.1 dead crows per square mile) had higher risk (2.0–8.6 times) for disease caused by WNV within the next 2 weeks than residents of counties reporting fewer dead crows per square mile. This type of index can offer a real-time, relatively inexpensive window into viral activity in time for prevention and control. Changes in reporting, bird populations, and immunity may require that thresholds other than 0.1 be used in later years or in other areas

First Recognized Human Bite in the United States by the Asian Longhorned Tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis

We present the case summary of the first human recognized to have been bitten by the Haemaphysalis longicornis tick in the United States, which occurred in New York State. Subsequent field studies confirmed that this tick was present in multiple geographic locations near the patient\u27s residence, including on manicured lawns

Vector-Borne Disease Surveillance & Control Training Needs Assessment

A major goal of the Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases is to develop training and education tools for public health professionals. The purpose of this needs assessment survey was a first step in these education efforts. We sought to understand perceived gaps in training and workforce needs related to vector-borne disease and public health. Needs assessment content was targeted to public health practitioners, vector control districts and associations, integrated pest management researchers and educators, and state emergency preparedness staff working in the Northeast region of the US.The Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases is supported through Cooperative Agreement Number 1U01CK000509-01 between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Cornell Universit

Potential Role of Deer Tick Virus in Powassan Encephalitis Cases in Lyme Disease–endemic Areas of New York, USA

Powassan virus, a member of the tick-borne encephalitis group of flaviviruses, encompasses 2 lineages with separate enzootic cycles. The prototype lineage of Powassan virus (POWV) is principally maintained between Ixodes cookei ticks and the groundhog (Marmota momax) or striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), whereas the deer tick virus (DTV) lineage is believed to be maintained between Ixodes scapularis ticks and the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus). We report 14 cases of Powassan encephalitis from New York during 2004–2012. Ten (72%) of the patients were residents of the Lower Hudson Valley, a Lyme disease–endemic area in which I. scapularis ticks account for most human tick bites. This finding suggests that many of these cases were caused by DTV rather than POWV. In 2 patients, DTV infection was confirmed by genetic sequencing. As molecular testing becomes increasingly available, more cases of Powassan encephalitis may be determined to be attributable to the DTV lineage