Deadly ‘rare’ horse virus spreads in NY – and can jump to humans via mosquitoes

A rare deadly horse virus that can be transmitted to humans, killing about 30% of infected humans, has been observed in several counties of the Hudson Valley and surrounding states.

An elderly Massachusetts man was recently infected, and the virus has killed a horse in Orange County, according to health officials.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus is spread from horses to humans via mosquitoes. Those who survive usually develop persistent neurological problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coma and seizures are also possible.

“There are no vaccines to prevent or drugs to treat eastern equine encephalitis,” the agency warns.

In New England, a Woescter man in his 80s contracted EEE earlier this month — the first case in more than four years for Massachusetts.

“EEE is a rare but serious disease and a public health concern,” said Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein.

Locally, along with Orange, EEE has been found in Ulster, Saint Lawrence, Madison, Oneida, Cayuga, Wayne and Washington counties, the New York State Department of Health reports.

The town of Newburgh on the Hudson River was where an unvaccinated horse succumbed to the disease, as did another in Atlantic County, New Jersey. A horse in Clinton County, near the Canadian border in New York, also tested positive for EEE.

“A positive test in a horse lets us know that EEE is circulating in mosquitoes that bite mammals, including humans. We continue to monitor and evaluate mosquito and virus activity,” said Orange County Health Department Commissioner Dr. Alicia Pointer. .

A wild turkey in Maine was also recently diagnosed with EEE, and a deer in Connecticut died from it in August as well. 12.

So far, no one in New York has been affected, according to the state agency, but sudden headaches, high fever, chills and vomiting are all warning signs and usually appear between four and 10 days after a mosquito bite. .

Those over 50 and under 15 are at the highest risk.

“Mosquitoes will be present in our communities until at least the end of September, so it’s important to be aware of how we can protect ourselves when we spend time outside,” warned NYS Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.

Wearing long sleeves, using bug spray containing DEET (diethyltoluamide), and checking window screens for holes are all preventative measures.