Horse infected with mosquito-born illness in Wellington County
Posted Jul 31, 2025 02:56:39 PM.
Last Updated Jul 31, 2025 03:22:58 PM.
Most summers, mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile get the attention, but Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) is warning of another present in the area.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV) has been confirmed in a horse in Wellington County.
The disease is carried by mosquitoes and poses little risk to humans, but severe cases can turn life-threatening. There is no risk of human-to-human transmission and WDGPH says there has never been a confirmed case in humans locally. However, last year, a person in Ottawa died from complications of EEEV. They were also the first person in Ottawa to get the illness.
The horse had no history of travel, which leads WDGPH to believe the virus is present in the region.
Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, Associate Medical Officer of Health, WDGPH, said in a release: “Although EEEV is rare in humans, this local case highlights the ongoing presence of mosquito-borne viruses and the importance of staying protected.”
A few ways to protect yourself from mosquitoes:
- Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pant, especially outdoors at dawn and dusk.
- Use Health Canada approved mosquito repellent.
- Repair window and door screens.
- Drain standing water from property.
WDGPH does mosquito monitoring throughout the region watching for both West Nile and EEEV.
