Eastern equine encephalitis, often referred to as EEE or Triple E, is a rare, but serious disease, largely found in North America and spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.

Two people in the U.S. have died of eastern equine encephalitis. Here's how this rare disease is spread and why it causes concern.

ALBANY, N.Y. -- A person has died in New York state from eastern equine encephalitis, prompting Gov. Kathy Hochul to declare the rare mosquito-borne illness an imminent threat to public health.