Second horse reported to have West Nile Virus in Jefferson County, along with human case
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (Sept. 27, 2024) – The Jefferson County Public Health Service (JCPHS) has been notified by the New York State Department of Health that a horse in the town of Orleans has been diagnosed with West Nile Virus (WNV). This is the second horse reported to have WNV in Jefferson County this year. The other horse was located in the town of Philadelphia. Both horses were unvaccinated against WNV.
WNV is transmitted to humans, horses, and some other animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. WNV was first found in New York state in 1999.
Jefferson County also has had one human case of WNV reported this year in August – the first positive case in a human in the county since 2008.
Most people and horses infected with WNV will not develop any signs or symptoms. If symptoms do develop, illness is usually mild. In severe cases, WNV may cause inflammation of the brain or inflammation of the membranes of the brain and spinal cord. People older than 50 are at highest risk for severe illness.
There is no specific treatment for WNV. Health care providers can help manage symptoms. In severe cases, patients may be hospitalized.
Preventing mosquito bites is important to reduce your risk of mosquito-borne diseases. Take the following steps to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites:
- Cover your skin with clothing (long sleeves and pants) when outdoors when mosquitoes are active
- Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent to exposed skin
- Make sure screens in your windows and doors are intact
- Get rid of standing water around your home where mosquitoes breed
Horse owners should talk with their veterinarian about vaccinations against mosquito-borne infections.
For more information about mosquito-borne disease, visit www.jcphs.org.
(Jefferson County Public Health Service)