A horse from north Durham has died of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, which is a mosquito-borne virus similar to West Nile virus.
Durham's health department said the horse became ill earlier this month and died shortly after. The virus is normally a disease of birds and mosquitoes, but can be transmitted to humans by the insects.
"Although EEE is uncommon in Ontario and the risk to humans is quite low, there have also been two positive WNV birds reported in Durham Region in the last two weeks," said Dr. Monika Dutt, Durham's acting medical officer of health.
"Therefore, it is important for everyone to remember to take precautions to help reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes."
The health department will monitor the situation and test mosquitoes in the area for Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
For more information on either virus or to report sightings of dead crows, blue jays or raptors, residents can call the Region's health department's environmental help line at 1-888-777-9613, ext. 2188. Sightings can also be reported online at
www.region.durham.on.ca
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