Statewide Alert – Fears Grow In New York About This Virus

There is an ongoing, and growing, concern about a virus that is spreading in portions of New York State.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, most people have gotten more cautious and germ aware when it comes to staying healthy and avoiding getting sick. Whether it is wearing a mask, social distancing, or just staying away from large gatherings, some of the things we learned in the pandemic still apply.

But there are new concerns about a virus outbreak and it has health officials for humans and animals keeping a watchful eye.

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The summer has been hot and humid and has presented the right type of conditions for bugs and mosquitoes to boom in population. Not only are these annoying bugs a bummer to have at the backyard party, they are also potentially carrying two types of viruses.

Officials in Onondaga County are warning residents that both West Nile and EEEV have been found.

What is EEEV? According to the Center For Disease Control (CDC) Eastern equine encephalitis is rare but serious and there are currently no vaccines to stop it.

"Although rare, eastern equine encephalitis is very serious. Approximately 30% of people with eastern equine encephalitis die, and many survivors have ongoing neurologic problems. Symptoms of eastern equine encephalitis can include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral changes, and drowsiness".

A NEW WARNING FOR HORSE OWNERS

As of the last week in August, there is a renewed request for horse owners to get their animals vaccinations up to date to protect them from EEEV. "The state Department of Health has confirmed the presence of EEE in horses in eight counties around the state, and has issued an advisory urging New Yorkers to take personal protective measures to avoid mosquito bites".