A horse in Lanark County has tested positive for the Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, or EEEV.
The Health Unit says its normally found in wild birds but can occasionally spread to horses and humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
Although that doesn’t happen often, public health inspector Kim McCann told myFM last year.
Local Medical Officer of Health Dr. Linna Li further explains.
There’s been three human cases of EEEV in Ontario ever, but it can cause serious neurological problems and death.
While a vaccine against EEEV exists for horses, there is none for humans, so the health unit’s asking everyone to take precautions against mosquito bites.
Story by Grant Deme
