New York state is reporting several cases of eastern equine encephalitis. It’s better known as EEE, and can spread to people through infected mosquitos.

“The disease does infect the brain,” said Dr. Jordan Grossman, a Saratoga County-based equine veterinarian.

What You Need To Know

  •  Eastern equine encephalitis is transmitted to horses and humans by mosquito bites 

  • If a horse is not properly vaccinated, the disease carries a greater than 90% chance of mortality

  • The vaccine designed to combat EEE is 98.6% effective

During a stint down south, Grossman experienced an outbreak of the virus.

“My first emergency as an intern,” she recalled. “The horse may present with a fever, or acting as if it can’t see, stumbling, not eating.”

The state has identified infected horses in seven counties, and as more cases are confirmed, Grossman is fielding a lot of questions like, 'why now?'

“EEE is most common late summer, early fall,” she said. “I’m not even sure you’d consider we’ve reached that point in the season yet.”

Health officials are encouraging precaution and vigilance as infected mosquitos can transmit the virus to people. Symptoms include a fever, gastrointestinal issues, seizures and even inflammation of the brain.

In neighboring Vermont, the first human case of the virus in 12 years was reported earlier this month, which involved a hospitalization. New York state’s Department of Health has reported no cases involving humans.

Meanwhile, Grossman is keeping a watchful eye on her four-legged patients.

“Unfortunately, if a horse is not vaccinated, or not properly vaccinated, the disease carries a greater than 90 percent chance mortality,” she explained.

That's why she’s encouraging all horse owners to consider the vaccine, which is 98.6% effective.

“Many horse owners are under the false assumption that their horse doesn’t travel, or if it's older, it may not need a vaccine,” she said. “That’s, unfortunately, not the case.”