A horse in Ballston that tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis was euthanized last week, Saratoga County health officials announced Monday.

The infected horse became ill on Sept. 16, tested positive for EEE and was euthanized that day, according to the county. It had not been vaccinated against EEE, the county said, adding that the risk to the public at this time was "low."

County officials made the announcement Monday, as Gov. Kathy Hochul said New York’s first human case of the virus since 2015 had died in Ulster County. 

The state Health Department on Friday confirmed the human case of EEE, a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is transmitted from mosquito bites. Hochul said Monday the Ulster County patient had died, and advised New Yorkers to take protective measures to avoid mosquito bites.

There were no confirmed or suspected human cases of the virus among Saratoga County residents, a county spokesperson said in a statement Monday morning.

The county recommended owners keep their horses in indoor stalls at night, speak with veterinarians about approved mosquito repellents and make sure their animals are up to date on vaccinations.

More information on eastern equine encephalitis can be found on the New York State Department of Health website.