The Chautauqua County Health Department wants to remind residents to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and protect themselves from potential exposure to mosquito-borne illnesses. This after the New York State Department of Health got word of an unvaccinated horse in the county, near the Cattaraugus County border, testing positive for the West Nile Virus (WNV).
Chautauqua County Chief Medical Officer Michael Faulk says, “West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) are serious diseases spread to animals and people by a bite from an infected mosquito. Even as cooler temperatures arrive, the risk remains for mosquito-borne illnesses. While there are no vaccines for humans, simple precautions can greatly reduce your exposure.”
WNV is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. While many infected people show no symptoms, about 20% may develop mild illness. In rare cases — particularly in individuals over 50 or with certain medical conditions — it can lead to severe neurological complications like encephalitis or meningitis. Most people recover fully, but serious cases can be fatal…