Madison County confirms first case of mosquito-borne EEE in 2024. How to protect yourself

Madison County Public Health was notified on Aug. 12 by the New York State Department of Health that a horse from the town of Sullivan was confirmed with Eastern Equine Encephalitis, sometimes referred to as “Triple E."

This is Madison County’s first EEE detection this year.

In response to the EEE detection, Madison County Public Health is enhancing its surveillance program , adding an additional mosquito trap location in the Town of Sullivan. The department also tracks weekly mosquito-borne disease activity reported by neighboring counties and continues to monitor for EEE virus in mosquitoes and mammals. Identifying positive cases in animals or humans is a way to identify the continued presence and risk of EEE virus along with other mosquito-borne viruses.

“Unfortunately, there is no vaccine against EEE virus for people. Mosquito bite prevention is the best way to protect from infection as they are in our environment,” said Erica Bird, Madison County public health deputy director, in a statement. “It is important for all community members to be vigilant by using personal protection measures to avoid mosquito bites and taking steps to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.”

Fighting mosquito bites

All community members are encouraged to take the following measures to fight mosquito bites:

• Use and apply mosquito repellent according to label instructions. Use this EPA search tool to help you choose the repellent product that is right for you.
• Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt if you are outdoors for long periods.
• Limit exposure to mosquitoes when they are most active, between dusk and dawn.
• Mosquito-proof your home. Replace or repair broken window screens and get rid of standing water where mosquitoes may breed. Change water in birdbaths and horse troughs at least two times a week.

The EEE virus can spread to humans through bites of infected mosquitos. Although the risk is low, in rare cases, the virus can cause life-threatening complications. Encephalitis infections like EEE include symptoms of sudden high fever, muscle pains, and a headache of increasing severity. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.

A vaccine is available to protect horses from EEE infection. Since horses are vulnerable to the EEE virus, equine owners are encouraged to vaccinate their horses annually. An infected horse cannot pass the EEE virus to other animals or people.

At this time, Madison County Public Health will not be spraying; however, it will be closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH).

If aerial spraying is found to be necessary, public notification will be issued through the news media, the Madison County Public Health website and Madison NY Public Health App . Spraying is a temporary response and is considered based on several factors, including, but not limited to, the number of trapped mosquitos at a particular point in time. Spraying decisions are made with assistance from NYSDOH.

For more information, please visit the Madison County Public Health website: www.healthymadisoncounty.org or call 315-366-2361.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Madison County confirms first case of mosquito-borne EEE in 2024. How to protect yourself