Horse in Franklin Co. identified with Eastern Equine Encephalitis

BOMBAY | The Franklin County Public Health Department has been notified that a horse in the Town of Bombay has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE, triple E) virus. The EEE virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and can infect people, horses and other mammals, some birds, reptiles and amphibians. This very rare, but serious virus can cause inflammation of the brain, also known as encephalitis. On average, about 11 EEE human cases are reported each year in the United States. In New York State, there have been 11 reported human disease cases since 1971. The Franklin County case was announced just one day after a case was identified in a horse in Mooers. EEE can cause various symptoms, such as fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral changes, drowsiness, or coma. Those under 15 or over 50 are more likely to develop a severe form of EEE. The best way to prevent EEE is to protect from mosquito bites. The risk of getting EEE is highest from late July through September, and there are no medications to prevent or treat EEE virus infections in humans. Horse owners should discuss annual vaccination against EEE with a veterinarian. There are no human vaccines for EEE. Prevention of mosquito bites is the most important way to reduce risk of Mosquito-borne diseases. Take the following steps to protect yourself: - Cover skin as completely as possible when outside when mosquitoes are present and active. Wear long sleeves, pants and socks. - Use insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535 and follow label directions. Do not apply repellent directly to children; instead, apply it to your own hands and then rub it onto your child. Avoid applying to your face and wash your skin and clothing thoroughly after coming indoors. - Make sure there are screens in windows and doors. Make sure screens are free of rips, tears and holes. - Eliminate all standing water on or around your home and property where mosquitoes can breed: - Make sure roof gutters drain correctly and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall. - Remove or turn over any items that may hold stagnant water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, or trash containers to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. - Clear vegetation and waste from the edge of ponds. - If you have standing water that cannot be removed, Franklin County Soil and Water has a limited supply of free Mosquito Dunks available. Contact them at 518-651-2097 or visit 174 Finney Blvd. in Malone.

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Horse in Franklin Co. identified with Eastern Equine Encephalitis

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