The first person to have a human case of the mosquito-borne illness EEE virus in New York state in nine years has died, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office said.

The state health commissioner has issued a Declaration of an Imminent Threat to Public Health for this virus.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a rare viral disease spread by mosquitos. It impacts humans and horses.

The virus has been found in horses across 12 counties in New York state so far.

This first human case since 2015 was found in a person in Ulster County.

The New York State Health Department is reminding New Yorkers to protect themselves if they’re outside when mosquitos are more active.

Wear long sleeves and long pants, and use bug spray containing DEET.

Stay away from standing water.

There are new signs going up at state parks and campgrounds alerting everyone of the new warnings.