Syracuse, N.Y. — Potentially deadly Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been discovered in mosquitoes in Madison County.
The infected insects were collected from a trap on Smith Ridge Road in the town of Sullivan, according to the Madison County Health Department.
It’s the first sign of the virus in Madison County this summer. EEE was recently detected in mosquitoes in Oswego County.
Both humans and horses are at risk of getting EEE through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
There have been at least seven reported human EEE deaths in Onondaga and Oswego counties since 1971.
EEE is spread by mosquitoes that become infected by feeding on infected birds.
Symptoms of EEE include sudden high fever, muscle pains and headaches. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should get medical attention immediately, according to the health department.
People should use insect repellent when outdoors and limit outdoor activity at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, the department said.
While there is no EEE vaccine for humans, there is one for horses. The department said horses should get the vaccination twice a year.
James T. Mulder covers health. Have a news tip? Contact him at (315) 470-2245 or jmulder@syracuse.com
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