Two emus have tested positive for the mosquito-borne Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Oneida county.
State agencies reported the two positive tests recently to the Oneida County Health Department.
Public Health Nurse Rob Deede says the virus is transmitted to humans, horses, birds and other animals from infected mosquitoes.
Deede says if animals are infected it means humans can be infected ...
"....we know it's in our community and we know that mosquitoes can be spreading that virus. We want to encourage folks to make sure you're wearing insect repellant. This has been a weird year where it's still fairly warm and humid. We have mosquitoes well in to September..."
Deede says most people bitten don't have symptoms, but some infected people develop more serious problems...
"....Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a swelling and inflammation of the spinal cord. It can lead to disorientation. Some pretty significant issues in regard to that whenever we talk about injury and damage to the brain...."
He says symptoms include sudden onset of fever, headache, chills and vomiting. Animals show a loss of appetite, drooping eyelids and lower lip and it can lead to death. Deede says the unusually warm and wet fall have led to a longer time with mosquitoes and he asks the public to continue using typical measures to prevent mosquitoes from biting you.
