Residents reminded to take precautions against mosquitoes following case of EEEV in local horse

Point Edward, ON – Lambton Public Health is reminding residents to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites following the confirmation of a case of eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) in a local horse by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness on Friday, September 20.

EEEV is not a reportable disease in Ontario and no mosquito traps have tested positive for it in Lambton County. Local surveillance has confirmed the presence of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Lambton in 2024 with a mosquito trap and resident both testing positive for the virus.

Like West Nile, EEEV is typically found in wild birds and mosquitoes, but can be spread to horses and, in rare cases, humans, through an infected mosquito’s bite. Humans cannot be infected with EEEV from another horse or human.

Horses can be protected by a vaccine against EEEV, however there is no vaccine for humans and while human cases are rare, the disease can cause serious neurological complications and even death.

Preventing mosquito bites is the best way to protect against both EEEV and WNV.

To reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes:

• Avoid areas with high mosquito populations.
• Take extra precautions from dusk to dawn when mosquito activity is high.
• Wear protective, light-coloured clothing.
• Use repellants containing DEET or Icaridin. Follow label instructions carefully.

To reduce mosquito breeding areas:

• Drain areas of standing or stagnant water on your property.
• Remove old tires; turn over pails, toys, and wheelbarrows.
• Change water in bird baths (at least weekly).
• Keep eaves clear to avoid trapped water

For more information about EEEV, please visit the Government of Ontario website.

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