Second reported case of Equine West Nile Virus in Sumter County

AMERICUS, Ga. – The West Central Health District has been notified of a second positive animal case of West Nile Virus in Sumter County.  The case involves a horse in a rural area outside of Americus. The horse affected is recovering. It’s important to note that horses cannot transmit the virus to other animals or humans.

West Nile virus is most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. People become infected with the virus during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall, typically June through October.

Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. Some people develop mild illness with flu-like symptoms, such as fever with headache or body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with mild illness recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.

Each year, about 2,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with West Nile, but this number is an underestimate as most people do not develop symptoms or attribute mild symptoms to other causes.

Most infected horses show no symptoms or only mild ones, such as fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, tremors, and incoordination. In a small percentage of cases, horses can develop severe neurological symptoms, including encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), paralysis, and seizures.

WNV can be diagnosed through blood tests that detect antibodies against the virus. A veterinarian can also perform a physical exam and collect samples for laboratory analysis. There is no specific treatment for WNV in horses, and most horses recover on their own. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent WNV in horses. Horses should be vaccinated annually, especially during mosquito season.

People and animals can be affected by mosquito bites, so it’s important to know these preventative measures to eliminate mosquito breeding:

•           Eliminate breeding sites by removing standing water – empty, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, or trash containers.

•           Keep grass and shrubs around your home trimmed and neat.

•           Use insect repellents when outdoors.

•           Wear long sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors or clothing and gear treated with permethrin if you work or spend extended periods outside.

•           Limit outdoor time at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

•           Help keep mosquitoes out of your home by installing or repairing screens on your doors and windows.

For more information on preventing mosquito bites, visit https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/prevention/.

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