Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Confirmed In Horses In 8 NY Counties

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The New York State Department of Health has confirmed the presence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in horses in Orange, Ulster, Saint Lawrence, Madison, Oneida, Cayuga, Wayne, and Washington counties.

A horse died of EEE in Orange County two weeks ago.

EEE is transmitted from mosquito bites and there is no risk of infected horses spreading the virus to humans or other horses. There are currently no confirmed human cases in New York State, state health officials said.

"We have learned that horses have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus in multiple counties across the state," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said in an announcement. "New Yorkers need to take proactive measures to avoid getting bit by a mosquito and risk contracting this virus or other mosquito-borne illnesses. Mosquitoes will be present in our communities until at least the end of September, so it’s important to be mindful of how we can protect ourselves when spending time outdoors."

The EEE virus is considered one of the most serious mosquito-borne disease in the United States because of its high mortality rate.

Similar to the West Nile Virus, EEE is transmitted by mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds. However, EEE is more likely to affect horses and humans in regions with specific mosquito species capable of spreading the virus.

EEE is less common than WNV but far more severe. It causes encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. Symptoms typically appear four to 10 days after a bite from an infected mosquito and can include sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting. The disease can progress to disorientation, seizures, and coma. People over 50 and younger than age 15 are at greatest risk for severe cases.

EEE has a higher fatality rate than WNV, with about one out of three infected people dying, and many survivors experiencing mild to severe long-term brain damage, health officials said.

All suspected cases of viral encephalitis should be reported immediately.

While horses can be vaccinated against EEE — and health officials urged horse owners to make sure their animals are up to date on vaccinations for EEE, West Nile, and other viruses spread by mosquitoes — there is no commercially available human vaccine for EEE.

The best protection is to prevent mosquito bites.

State officials offered these tips:

• Consider wearing long sleeves and tucking pants into socks and shirts into pants when outdoors at dusk or dawn, the time of day when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use insect repellents containing DEET. More information on repellents can be found here. Be sure to follow the insect repellent label directions. Children should not handle repellents directly. Instead, adults should apply repellents to their own hands first and then gently spread on the child's exposed skin. Avoid applying directly to children's hands. After returning indoors, wash your child's treated skin and clothing with soap and water or give the child a bath.
• Make sure there are screens in windows and doors of the home. Make sure the screens are free of rips, tears, and holes.
• Eliminate all standing water in yards and around the home and property where mosquitoes can breed, including plastic containers, pool covers, wading pools, ceramic pots, clogged drainpipes, toys, trash and wheelbarrows. Also change water in bird baths twice a week.

More information on Eastern Equine Encephalitis can be found here.

SEE: Equine Encephalitis Circulating, Horse Dies