MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – Six horses in northwestern Wisconsin have tested positive for a rare virus since late July, confirming that there are mosquitoes in Wisconsin that can spread it to humans and other animals.
According to a news release from the Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services, Eastern equine encephalitis, also known as EEE, is rare with only three human cases reported in the state between 1964-2019.
The virus can spread to humans and other animals by biting an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes get the virus by feeding on infected birds. The virus cannot be spread from person to person, as between animals and humans.
The department advised that many people with EEE do not get sick, but those who do may develop encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. Effects of the virus include fever, headache, chills and vomiting. The release went on to say that in severe cases, those with the virus may disorient, experience attacks like a coma.
There is no specific treatment for EEE and the department said that about 30% of people who have inflammation of the brain die from the virus.
While the virus is rare in Wisconsin, the department warns that residents and visitors to the state should be vigilant to prevent mosquito bites. They listed some tips to prevent people from getting mosquito bites, including limiting time spent at dawn and dusk, using insect repellent and making sure windows and doors are intact.
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