EEE, the “rare” and deadly horse virus, is spreading in New York – and can jump to humans via mosquitoes

A rare, deadly horse virus that is transmissible to humans and kills about 30% of those infected has been discovered in several counties in the Hudson Valley and surrounding states.

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

Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEE) is transmitted from horses to humans by mosquitoes. Those who survive the disease often 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 and no medications to treat Eastern equine encephalomyelitis,” the agency warns.

In New England, a man in his 80s from Wisconsin was infected with EEE earlier this month – the first case in Massachusetts in more than four years.

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

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

In the Hudson River town of Newburgh, 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 tells us that EEE is circulating in mosquitoes that bite mammals, including humans. We continue to monitor and evaluate mosquito and virus activity,” said Dr. Alicia Pointer, Orange County Department of Health Officer.

Recently, a wild turkey in Maine was diagnosed with EEE, and on August 12, a deer in Connecticut also died from it.

According to the state agency, no one in New York has been affected yet, but sudden headaches, high fever, chills and vomiting are all warning signs and typically occur four to ten days after a mosquito bite.

People over 50 and under 15 are most at risk.

“Mosquitoes will be present in our communities at least through the end of September, so it is important that we are aware of how to protect ourselves when we spend time outdoors,” warned New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.

Preventive measures include wearing long-sleeved clothing, using a bug spray containing DEET (diethyltoluamide), and checking window screens for holes.