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Canandaigua horse is recovering from the virus that killed a resident of Monroe County
CANANDAIGUA – The death of a resident of Monroe County and the reporting of a sick horse to Canandaigua – two cases due to West Nile virus – raised concerns, especially as mosquitoes are in full force because of the wet weather.
A resident of Monroe County died earlier this month from the virus. Public health officials say the risk will continue during the first severe frosts. There is no human vaccine against West Nile virus, but there is some for horses, and local animal owners are encouraged to vaccinate their horses. Several cases of West Nile virus are reported in animals throughout New York. Five horses contracted the disease, including a 10-year-old Canandaigua mare, according to the State Department of Agriculture. This horse is recovering.
Dan Schubmehl, co-owner of the Finger Lakes Equestrian Center in Canandaigua, said he heard a friend Wednesday morning after reports revealed that the horse from Canandaigua and West Nile. The friend asked if all his horses were in good condition.
Schubmehl said he did not know where the sick horse was in town, but he is glad that all his horses are vaccinated. Legally, horse owners are not required to vaccinate for West Nile, but Schubmehl feels it is worth it for peace of mind.
The Finger Lakes Equestrian Center on the Parrish Street Extension has between 19 and 25 horses on the property at all times. The center offers boarding, training, courses, clinics and other horse related services.
"You worry when you see West Nile in your area," said Kate Ott, director of prevention services at the Ontario County Public Health Service. Ontario County has not had a human case this year or in a while, she said. But it's enough to bite a mosquito carrying the virus. Although many bitten people do not have symptoms, the virus can put older people or other more vulnerable people at risk. If you experience flu-like symptoms, headaches, fever, chills, etc. that may be signs of nil or other ailments, consult your doctor, Ott said.
"Prevention is the key," she added. She advised avoiding outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active and wear clothing to cover exposed skin. Public health officials also suggest using a mosquito repellent, as directed, when it is necessary to be outside when mosquitoes bite. To reduce the mosquito population around your home and property, reduce or eliminate all standing water.
According to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, less than 1% of mosquitoes carry West Nile. The majority of people bitten by an infected mosquito will have no symptoms, about 20% will have mild flu-like symptoms and less than 1% will become seriously ill.
According to the State Department of Health, for the week ending September 20, there were 14 human cases of West Nile virus infection: six cases in New York; two in Onondaga County; two in Suffolk County; and one case each in the counties of Dutchess, Monroe and Nassau.
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