The Frederick News-Post published the following today around 4:30 p.m.
“A horse in Frederick County tested positive for West Nile virus earlier this month, according to the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
The horse began showing symptoms of the virus earlier this summer. It has since been vaccinated and has recovered, according to a news release from the department on July 24.
Recent periods of heavy rain this summer can contribute to an increase in the mosquito population, leading to a potential increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
The department’s animal health program encourages all horse owners to vaccinate their horses for the virus, as well as other mosquito-borne diseases.
West Nile virus can affect both horses and humans, according to the release. Both can contract the disease through the bite of an infected mosquito, but a horse and a human can’t transmit the disease to each other.
Symptoms for the virus in horses can include fever, anorexia, head pressing, depression or personality change, wobbling or staggering, weakness, blindness, head and neck spasm, convulsions and hind-limb weakness.
In humans, the symptoms may include a fever, headache and body aches. Infected individuals may also experience a skin rash or swollen lymph glands. Symptoms may last a few days or up to several weeks.
Up to 80% of people who are infected will not show symptoms, according to the department. Individuals with underlying health conditions can become seriously ill.
To help prevent their horses from contracting the virus, owners can keep the horses inside during dawn and dusk, which are peak mosquito hours, and use topical insect repellents specifically for horses.
People who are concerned about mosquitoes should cover exposed skin and use insect repellent. They can also monitor properties for high mosquito activity, especially around standing water, which can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.”