TOWN OF NORFOLK, New York (WWNY) – New York State says because of numerous cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEE in St. Lawrence County, it’s triggering an Imminent Threat to Public Health.

Elizabeth Morse has been taking care of Smooches for years, but before Smooches, Morse had Ben, a healthy horse, until Morse noticed a sudden change.

“He had a hard time eating hay; it was almost like his brain got swollen,” said Morse.

Later, she found out that her horse contracted Eastern Equine Encephalitis, a virus carried by mosquitoes that causes swelling of the brain tissue and can lead to death. While uncommon, it’s not new to the North Country, but what is new is the rate it’s been seen.

“Last year, we had five horses test positive between July and October. This year, we’ve had five horses test positive just between the very end of July and almost mid-August,” said St. Lawrence County’s Director of Public Health Erin Streiff.

Cases have been seen in the northern parts of St. Lawrence County. Specifically in Brasher, Norfolk, Norwood, Potsdam, and Heuvelton.

What concerns health officials is the more the virus circulates, the more likely a person could come into contact with it.

“There is a high chance of dying from the disease. There is no cure for the disease,” said Streiff.

There have been 11 human cases of EEE in New York State since 1971. Eight died, and the rest never fully recovered.

Streiff says you can only contract the virus through mosquito bites. Early symptoms in humans can include headaches, fever, and an altered mental state.

Health officials want more data on where the infected mosquitoes are coming from before spraying areas.

There are preventative measures. People can use approved insect repellent, avoid going out during peak mosquito hours, and wear long sleeves. Although there are no vaccines for humans, there are for horses.

“My horses are now vaccinated for it,” Morse said.

Health officials say it takes a few weeks for horses to build immunity to the virus.

Now Smooches can run free without the fear of EEE.

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