A horse in Portage County tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection confirmed, marking the state's first documented case of the virus this year.
The positive test indicates that EEE-carrying mosquitoes are present in Wisconsin, where the virus can spread to humans, horses, and other animals through infected mosquito bites, according to the Department of Health Services. Mosquitoes acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds.
The virus cannot be spread person to person or directly between animals. EEE is a rare but serious disease. The Department of Health Services is reminding residents to take action to prevent mosquito bites.