GOSHEN – Orange County officials are advising residents to take precautions to prevent contracting Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a disease carried by infected mosquitoes. An unvaccinated horse in the Town of Newburgh died from that virus last week.
EEE is a rare infection spread by infected mosquitoes and can infect people and horses. It causes encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. Symptoms may appear four to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
The virus is only spread by a bite by an infected mosquito.
County Health Commissioner Dr. Alicia Pointer said the EEE virus could remain active in the environment until the first hard frost occurs.
“Until we have a hard frost, people in all areas of Orange County need to fully protect themselves from mosquito bites when they’re outdoors,” she said. “If you are outside, you should use insect repellants and consider wearing long pants and long sleeves.”
Insect repellants that contain DEET picaridin, or the oil of lemon eucalyptus are effective. She said repellents with permethrin are meant for clothing and should not be used on skin.
“In Orange County, equestrian sports and activities have become extremely popular with residents and visitors so keeping our horses and the people who interact with them safe and healthy is a priority,” said County Executive Steven Neuhaus.
People over 50 and under 15 are at greatest risk for severe cases of EEE virus infection, which begin with a sudden headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting that may progress into confusion, seizures, and coma.
Officials said approximately one-third of patients who develop EEE will die, and many who survive have mild to severe brain damage.
