Horse in Jefferson County tests positive for West Nile Virus

PHILADELPHIA, N.Y. (WWTI) – A horse in Jefferson County has tested positive for West Nile Virus according to the Jefferson County Public Health Department.

Public Health was notified by the New York State Department of Health that a horse in the Town of Philadelphia has been diagnosed with the disease.

West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans, horses and some other animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. WNV was first found in the state in 1999. Jefferson County has also had one human case of WNV reported this year in August. It was the first positive case in a human in the County since 2008.

Many people and horses infected with the virus will not develop any signs or symptoms. If symptoms do develop, the illness is usually mild. In severe cases, West Nile may cause inflammation of the brain or inflammation of the membranes of the brain and spinal cord.

People over the age of 50 are at highest risk for severe illness. There is no specific treatment for the virus. Health care providers can help manage symptoms. In severe cases, patients may be hospitalized.

Here are some tips from Jefferson County Public Health on dealing with mosquito-borne illnesses:

• Cover your skin with clothing (long sleeves and pants) when outdoors when mosquitoes are active
• Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent to exposed skin
• Make sure screens in your windows and doors are intact
• Get rid of standing water around your home where mosquitoes breed

Horse owners should talk with their veterinarian about vaccinations against these infections. For
more information on mosquito-borne disease, please visit www.jcphs.org.

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