Eastern equine encephalitis virus confirmed in horse in Wellington County

A horse in Wellington County has tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis virus, a mosquito-borne virus which the health unit says is "rare but potentially serious."

There are no human cases reported, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health said in an advisory Thursday.

This is the first case of the virus in the area. Public health says the horse has not travelled outside Wellington County.

Public health says the virus mainly affects horses and poses a low risk to humans. However, the virus can be potentially life-threatening for some people in severe cases. Symptoms may include: fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness, seizures and behavioural changes.

Last September and August, the virus was linked to the death of an Ottawa resident and a person in New Hampshire.

There is no risk of human-to-human transmission, public health said.

Although the virus "is rare in humans, this local case highlights the ongoing presence of mosquito-borne viruses and the importance of staying protected," associate medical officer of health Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum said in a release.

"We remain proactive in monitoring and controlling mosquito populations in our region, but everyone should take basic steps to avoid mosquito bites."

Earlier this month, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health reported a dead crow found in Guelph had tested positive for another mosquito-borne virus, West Nile.

Public health says the most effective way to avoid both viruses is to reduce the risk of getting mosquito bites. People can do that by:

• Wearing light-coloured clothing (including long sleeves and pants).
• Using an approved mosquito repellant.
• Repairing holes in screen doors and windows.
• Reducing breeding places for mosquitos by removing standing water by draining potential reservoirs like flowerpots and kids' pools and by frequently replacing water in bird baths and other water features.