Deadly mosquitoborne encephalitis returns to state
A horse in Dunn County recently tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis, the state’s first confirmed case of the deadly virus this year.
The mare, approximately 10 years old, was euthanized due to her rapidly progressing symptoms, according to the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
Horses, other animals and humans can be infected by Eastern equine encephalitis, also known as EEE, a virus transmitted by a mosquito bite. The virus cannot be passed directly between horses or between horses and people.
In an average year, there are only seven human cases of EEE in the country, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But in 2019, at least three Michigan residents died from the virus and at least four others were sickened by it.
Wisconsin had five confirmed cases in horses last year. In 2017, the state had a record 24 cases in horses.
Few mosquitoes actually carry the virus, but it is important to take preventive measures when spending time outside, health officials say.
“All residents of and visitors to areas where EEE virus activity has been identified are at risk of infection,” according to the CDC.
“The risk is highest for people who live in or visit woodland habitats, and people who work outside or participate in outdoor recreational activities, because of greater exposure to potentially infected mosquitoes.”
. Since EEE and another virus, West Nile, follow mosquito populations, the threat normally starts in the summer and lasts until the first killing frost.
Last August, the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed that horses in Green Lake, Waushara and Barron counties tested positive for EEE, which is fatal in more than 90% of cases in horses.
Besides limiting exposure to mosquito bites to help control the virus, there is a vaccination for horses, the state Agriculture Department said in a statement.