Eastern Equine Encephalitis Confirmed in Emus in Rensselaer County

There Is No Risk of Virus Spreading from Birds to Humans

ALBANY, N.Y. (September 10, 2024) - The New York State Department of Health is advising New Yorkers to take personal protective measures to avoid mosquito bites, after confirming the presence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE) in two emus in Rensselaer County.

EEE is transmitted from mosquito bites and there is no risk of infected birds spreading the virus to humans. There are currently no confirmed human cases of EEE in New York State.

"We have learned that two emus tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus in Rensselaer County," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "I encourage New Yorkers to continue to take proactive measures to prevent mosquito bites which can lead to EEE and other mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus. Even though we are seeing cooler temperatures, we must protect ourselves outdoors since mosquitoes will be present in our communities until at least the end of September."

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but severe viral disease spread by infected mosquitoes that can affect people and horses. People of all ages are susceptible to infection, but people over 50 and younger than 15 are at greatest risk of acquiring the virus. While most people bitten by an infected mosquito will not develop any symptoms, severe cases may begin with the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills and vomiting. The illness may then progress into disorientation, seizures, encephalitis and coma. Approximately a third of patients who develop EEE die, while many patients who survive EEE experience neurologic impairment.

There is no commercially available human vaccine for EEE and the best protection is to prevent mosquito bites.

The following precautions are highly recommended to reduce the risk of infection from EEE and other mosquito-borne illnesses:

  • Consider wearing long sleeves and tucking pants into socks and shirts into pants when outdoors at dusk or dawn, the time of day when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Use insect repellents containing DEET. More information on repellents can be found here. Be sure to follow the insect repellent label directions. Children should not handle repellents directly. Instead, adults should apply repellents to their own hands first and then gently spread them on the child's exposed skin. Avoid applying directly to children's hands. After returning indoors, wash your child's treated skin and clothing with soap and water or bathe the child.
  • Make sure there are screens in the windows and doors of the home. Make sure the screens are free of rips, tears and holes.
  • Eliminate all standing water in yards and around the home and property where mosquitoes can breed, including plastic containers, pool covers, wading pools, ceramic pots, clogged drainpipes and wheelbarrows. Also, change water in bird baths twice a week.

Horse owners should consult with their veterinarian and make sure their animals are up to date on vaccinations for EEE, West Nile, and other viruses spread by mosquitoes. Horses cannot spread EEE to humans or other horses, but the virus can cause neurologic disease and death in unvaccinated animals. It is recommended that emus owners discuss EEE vaccination with their veterinarian.

More information on Eastern Equine Encephalitis can be found here.