Horse in Town of Newburgh Dies of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

Goshen, N.Y. - The Orange County Department of Health (OCDOH) reports a horse in the Town of Newburgh died late last week of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The diagnosis was confirmed in test results released by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). The horse had not been vaccinated for EEE and did not travel outside of the County.

EEE is an extremely rare but serious and often fatal infection that is spread by mosquitoes and can infect people and horses. It causes encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. Symptoms of the EEE virus typically appear 4-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. EEE virus only spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito and is not spread person-to-person, people to animals, or animals to people. It is possible that some people who are infected with EEE virus will not develop any symptoms.

"In Orange County, equestrian sports and activities have become extremely popular with residents and visitors, so keeping our horses and the people who interact with them safe and healthy is a priority," said Neuhaus. "I encourage all residents to follow our Health Department's recommendations to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes."

People over 50 and younger than age 15 are at greatest risk for severe cases of EEE virus infection, which begin with the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting which may progress into confusion, seizures, and coma. Approximately one third of patients who develop EEE virus will die, and many who survive have mild to severe brain damage.

OCDOH Health Commissioner, Dr. Alicia Pointer, reminds residents that the EEE virus could remain active in the environment until the first hard frost occurs.

"Until we have a hard frost, people in all areas of Orange County need to fully protect themselves from mosquito bites when they're outdoors," she said. "If you are outside, you should use insect repellants and consider wearing long pants and long sleeves."

Insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or the oil of lemon eucalyptus are effective. Repellents containing permethrin are meant for clothing and should not be applied directly to the skin. Be sure to read the label for repellents and follow package instructions.

"A positive test in a horse lets us know that EEE is circulating in mosquitos that bite mammals, including humans. We continue to monitor and assess mosquito and virus activities," said Dr. Pointer. "We will keep you updated on our social media pages and the OCDOH webpage while we continue to work closely with the NYSDOH, which provides support and guidance."

People should take these measures to reduce mosquitoes around the home:

• Repair or replace window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
• Dispose of old tires, tin cans, ceramic pots, or other water-holding containers.
• Clear roof gutters and be sure they drain properly.
• Turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, hot tubs, and drain pool covers.
• Change the water in birdbaths and horse troughs twice a week.
• Remove leaf debris from yards and gardens and clean vegetation and debris from the edge of ponds.

For more information on mosquito prevention or protection, call the Orange County Department of Health at 291-2332 or visit www.orangecountygov.com/health

For more information, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to the County Executive, Director of Public Information and Media Relations, at 845.291.2700 or [email protected].

To learn more about what County Executive Neuhaus is doing for Orange County, follow Orange County Government and Steven M. Neuhaus on Facebook, @Orange County NY Govt and @steve.neuhaus on Instagram, and @OCGovNY and @SNeuhausOC on X.

You can also watch or listen to Neuhaus' NeuCast podcasts and Leadership Speaker Series on YouTube or Spotify.

###

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.