One horse is dead in Cayuga County as mosquito-borne illnesses are on the rise in Central New New York.
The Cayuga County Health Department reported it was notified Thursday that the horse had died in Cato as the result of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV). There have been no other animal or human cases due to mosquito-borne illnesses so far this year in the county.
Mosquito pools in several Central New York counties, including Onondaga and Oswego Counties, have tested positive for the EEEV and West Nile Virus. When compared to previous years, detection rates of mosquito-borne illnesses have significantly trended upwards this year across the state, according to the health department.
While rare, EEEV and WNV can cause inflammation of the brain with those most at risk being adults over 50 and children under 15.
To reduce the chances of contracting a mosquito-borne illness, the health department offers the following advice.
- Avoid being outdoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active
- If you are outside during active times, wear mosquito repellent and wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, socks, and closed-toe shoes
- Make sure screens on home windows and doors are tight-fitting and free from tears.
- Prevent stagnant water where mosquitoes lay eggs by
- turning over wheelbarrows:
- regularly changing the water in bird baths
- properly maintaining swimming pools
- eliminating low spots on your property where rainwater may accumulate
- cleaning clogged gutters
- removing unused tires from your property
- drilling holes in the bottoms of recycling containers
- If you own a horse, discuss preventative methods with your veterinarian such as vaccination against EEEV
More information can be found on the county’s website.
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