OCALA — The Marion County Health Department has confirmed two cases of West Nile virus and 14 cases of Eastern equine encephalitis in horses in Marion County this year.
Both West Nile cases were discovered in the past month in the northeastern part of the county. The health department advises horse owners to be wary of these mosquito-carried viruses, particularly in the wet-weather months.
According to Environmental Health Director Tom Moore, symptoms of both viruses include staggering and lethargy. Infection is determined through blood samples. Symptoms for humans would be similar, including fever.
Typically, Moore said, eight of 10 horses infected with Eastern equine encephalitis likely will die, as will about half of those with West Nile virus.
