Second horse in region dies of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, this one in Ulster County

A horse in Ulster County has died of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), County Executive Jen Metzger's office has confirmed.

It was the second horse to die of the disease in the region. Earlier this month, a horse in Orange County died of EEE .

The horse who died in Ulster County was in the town of Shawangunk, and other horses on the owner's property have been vaccinated and boosted to help prevent further spread.

The Ulster County Department of Health and Metzger's office are working closely with the state Department of Health to monitor this case and any other cases that might appear in the county.

The state Department of Health has confirmed the presence of EEE in horses in eight counties around the state, and has issued an advisory urging New Yorkers to take personal protective measures to avoid mosquito bites.

There is no risk of infected horses spreading the virus to humans or other horses, as EEE is transmitted through mosquito bites. There currently are no confirmed human cases in the state.

What is Eastern Equine Encephalitis?

EEE is a rare but extremely serious viral disease spread by infected mosquitoes that can affect humans and horses. People of all ages are subject to infection, but people over age 50 and under age 15 are at greatest risk.

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While most people bitten by an infected mosquito will not develop any symptoms, severe cases may begin with the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills and vomiting. The illness then might progress to disorientation, seizures, encephalitis and coma.

While there is no commercially available human vaccine for EEE, health officials say the best protection is to prevent mosquito bites.

How to prevent EEE

When spending time outdoors at dusk or dawn, when mosquitoes are most active, wear long sleeves and tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants.

Use insect repellents containing DEET according to directions, and always have adults apply repellents to children.

Eliminate all standing water in yards and around the home and property where mosquitoes can breed.

Make sure there are screens in the windows and doors of your home, and make sure they are free of rips, tears and holes.

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Horse owners should consult with their veterinarian, and make sure their animals are up to date on vaccinations for EEE, West Nile and any other viruses spread by mosquitoes.

Mosquito season in Ulster County and the Hudson Valley generally begins in mid-spring and lasts until late fall. However, climate change has caused average temperatures, and the duration of warm weather, to increase and lengthen.

For more information, visit the state Department of Health online at health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/eastern_equine_encephalitis/ , or contact the Ulster County Department of Health at HealthEd@co.ulster.ny.us.

Mike Randall covers breaking news for the Times Herald-Record and the Poughkeepsie Journal. Reach him at mrandall@th-record.com.

This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Second horse in region dies of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, this one in Ulster County