Horse tests positive for equine encephalitis

The Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department reported Sept. 9 that a horse in Shawano County has tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).

This is the first confirmed case of EEE in a horse in Shawano County this year, and the fifth case in horses in the state this year. No EEE cases in humans have been reported in Wisconsin thus far in 2021, but there were two human cases in 2020.

EEE virus is spread to humans, horses and other animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes acquire EEE virus by feeding on infected birds. The virus is not spread person to person or directly between animals or between animals and humans.

Documentation of a EEE positive horse, however, confirms that there are mosquitoes in the area infected with the EEE virus that can spread the virus to people and other animals.

Many people infected with EEE virus do not get sick. Those who do become ill may develop fever, headache, chills and vomiting. The illness may become severe resulting in encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), disorientation, seizures, coma or death. There is no specific vaccine or treatment for EEE illness available for people.

Signs of EEE infection in horses include depression, loss of appetite, drooping eyelids and lower lip, blindness, paralysis and death. Horse owners can vaccinate their horses against EEE virus to protect them from becoming ill.

Since EEE virus is known to be circulating in Shawano County, residents and visitors should be vigilant in preventing mosquito bites. Follow these tips to protect yourself and your family against mosquito bites:

• Apply an insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 to exposed skin and clothing.

• Prior to heading outdoors, treat clothing with permethrin; do not apply permethrin directly to skin.

• Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning hours, when mosquitoes are most active.

• Wear long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.