A confirmed case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV) has been detected in a horse in Wellington County, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health announced July 31.
The animal had no travel history, indicating the virus is present locally, the health unit said in a release. This is the first confirmation of EEEV in a horse in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph, and no human cases have ever been reported in the region.
EEEV is a rare but potentially serious mosquito-borne virus. While it mainly affects horses and poses low risk to humans, severe cases can be life-threatening. Symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness, seizures and behavioural changes. Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health said there is no risk of human-to-human transmission.
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“Although EEEV is rare in humans, this local case highlights the ongoing presence of mosquito-borne viruses and the importance of staying protected,” said Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, associate medical officer of health, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. “We remain proactive in monitoring and controlling mosquito populations in our region, but everyone should take basic steps to avoid mosquito bites.”
To reduce your risk of mosquito-borne illness, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Publi Health said:
- Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially outdoors at dawn and dusk.
- Use Health Canada-approved mosquito repellent.
- Repair window and door screens.
- Drain standing water from property (e.g., flowerpots, birdbaths, kiddie pools, clogged gutters).
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health conducts mosquito surveillance throughout the region to monitor for both West Nile virus and EEEV. For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses and how to protect yourself, visit wdgpublichealth.ca/mosquitoes.
