Mosquito-borne electrical and electronic equipment case confirmed in horse in Madison County
The Madison County Health Department was notified by the New York State Department of Health on August 12 that a horse from the Town of Sullivan had been confirmed to have Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis, also known as “Triple E.”
This is the first waste electrical and electronic equipment detection this year in Madison County.
In response to the EEE detection, Madison County Public Health is expanding its surveillance program and establishing an additional mosquito trap in the City of Sullivan. The department also tracks mosquito-borne disease activity reported by neighboring counties on a weekly basis and continues to monitor mosquitoes and mammals for the EEE virus. Identifying positive cases in animals or humans is one way to identify the ongoing presence and risk of the EEE virus, as well as other mosquito-borne viruses.
“Unfortunately, there is no vaccine against the EEE virus for humans. Preventing mosquito bites is the best way to protect against infection, as they are present in our environment,” said Erica Bird, Madison County’s deputy public health director, in a statement. “It is important that all community members remain vigilant by taking personal protective measures to avoid mosquito bites and taking steps to reduce mosquito breeding sites.”
Fighting mosquito bites
All community members are encouraged to take the following measures to combat mosquito bites:
- Use mosquito repellents and apply them according to label directions. Use this EPA search tool to choose the repellent that’s right for you.
- Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when spending long periods of time outdoors.
- Limit contact with mosquitoes when they are most active between dusk and dawn.
- Make your home mosquito-proof. Replace or repair broken screens and eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can breed. Change the water in birdbaths and horse troughs at least twice a week.
The EEE virus can be transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Although the risk is low, in rare cases the virus can cause life-threatening complications. Encephalitis infections such as EEE result in symptoms such as sudden onset of high fever, muscle aches, and headaches that increase in intensity. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
There is a vaccine that protects horses from EEE infection. Because horses are susceptible to the EEE virus, horse owners are advised to have their horses vaccinated annually. An infected horse cannot transmit the EEE virus to other animals or humans.
The Madison County Health Department is not currently conducting any spraying activities, but is closely monitoring the situation in conjunction with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH).
If aerial spraying is necessary, the public will be notified through the media, the Madison County Health Department website, and the Madison, NY Health Department app. Spraying is a temporary measure and will be considered based on several factors, including but not limited to the number of mosquitoes captured at any given time. Decisions regarding spraying will be made with the assistance of the NYSDOH.
For more information, visit the Madison County Health Department website: www.healthymadisoncounty.org or call 315-366-2361.
