Hamilton horse first infected with rare mosquito-borne illness since 2019

The first case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis or EEE since 2019 has been reported in a horse in Hamilton.

EEE is a rare mosquito-borne illness that is typically found in birds.

Hamilton Public Health says there has never been any reports of a human case of EEE in Hamilton.

Most people don’t experience any symptoms of illness after being bitten by an infected mosquito. There are cases when people experience flu-like symptoms and in rare cases, inflammation of the brain.

The Center for Disease Control says the best way to prevent yourself from getting infected with EEE is to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

Public health advises getting your horses vaccinated against EEE and West Nile Virus.

READ MORE: City of Hamilton reports first local human case of West Nile virus this season