A horse tests positive for EEE Virus in Oneida County

VERONA, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — The Oneida County Health Department says a horse has tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEE) in the Town of Verona.

Previously three cases of EEE have been confirmed in St. Lawrence County.

Third horse in St. Lawrence County tests positive for EEE

What is EEE?

The Oneida County Health Department said Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but serious viral disease spread by mosquitoes that can affect people and horses. The bite of an infected mosquito spreads EEE. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on infected birds.

Infected mosquitoes will then occasionally feed on horses, humans, and other mammals. EEE is not spread person-to-person, from people to animals, or from animals (other than mosquitoes) to people.

Vaccines are available to help protect horses from getting sick from the EEE virus. Horse owners are encouraged to talk with their veterinarian.

Horse owners can also reduce exposure to infected mosquitoes by frequently changing the water in troughs and buckets and eliminating other standing water sources.

Oneida County Public Health Director, Daniel W. Gilmore, Ph.D., encourages people to “Do what you can to avoid exposure to mosquitoes. There is no human vaccine for EEE so taking measures to reduce mosquitoes around your home and reduce the chances of being bit by mosquitoes is important.”

Tips for preventing mosquito-borne diseases in people include:

• Avoid mosquito bites: Use insect repellent when outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn.
• Look for EPA-labeled products containing active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin (KBR3023) or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane 3,8-diol).
• Apply more repellent, according to label instructions, if mosquitoes start to bite.
• Mosquito-proof homes: Fix or install window and door screens, and cover or eliminate empty containers with standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs.

You can learn more about the EEE Virus on the NYS Department of Health webpage and the CDC’s website .

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