U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, using the site of Upstate’s Vector Biocontainment Laboratory at the Institute of Human Performance on Tuesday, called for more funding for the CDC’s Vector-Borne Diseases programs, which includes EEEV and West Nile, with $65 million in new funding to stem the threat to communities from mosquito populations that spread disease.  

The funding is part of a multiprong effort to “beat back” mosquitoes that transmit diseases to animals and humans. An Ulster County resident died from eastern equine encephalitis last month; it was the first confirmed case of EEE in New York in a decade.

Joining Schumer at his announcement yesterday from Upstate was President Mantosh Dewan, MD, and Saravanan Thangamani, PhD, professor of microbiology and immunology.

"It's critical to establish robust and novel surveillance mechanisms to monitor the resurgence of mosquito-borne viruses, particularly before they become a public health threat," Thangamani said.

Additional mosquito surveillance and studies are needed especially as the climate changes.

"Warmer temperatures can enhance the reproduction rate of mosquitoes, the primary vectors of the West Nile Virus," said Thangamani. "High temperatures can also shorten the virus incubation period in the mosquitoes, increasing the likelihood of transmission. And also changes in the rainfall patterns can create more standing water, ideal breeding sites for mosquitoes."

Dewan said that Upstate is playing a leading role in broadening the understanding and treatment of vector-borne disease, such as West Nile Virus, EEE and dengue fever, with the work of researchers at the Vector Biocontainment Laboratory and the Institute for Global Health.

Others attending the announcement at Upstate included Onondaga County Health Commissioner Kathryn Anderson, MD, PhD; Brian Leydet, PhD, MPH, associate professor at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry; Joanie Mahoney, president of SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry; and David Larson, PhD, MPH, associate professor of public health at Syracuse University.

Caption: U.S. Sen Chuck Schumer looks on as Upstate Professor Saravanan Thangamani, PhD, discusses the work of Upstate's Vector Biocontainment Laboratory and the threat of disease-carrying mosquitoes. Others attending the announcement are, back row, from left, Onondaga County Health Commissioner Kathryn Anderson, Professor Brian Leydet of SUNY ESF; Professor David Larson of Syracuse University; Upstate President Mantosh Dewan; and SUNY ESF President Joanie Mahoney.