Horse Tests Positive For West Nile Virus

The Grant County Health Department is reminding people to protect themselves from mosquito bites now that a horse in Grant County has tested positive for West Nile virus on Monday. The presence of a horse with WNV confirms that there are mosquitoes in the area infected with WNV that can transmit the virus to people and other animals. WNV is transmitted to humans, horses, birds, and other animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes acquire WNV by feeding on infected birds. The virus is not spread from person to person, animal to animal, or animal to person. Horse owners should be reminded to contact their veterinarian to vaccinate their animals. In addition to vaccination, horse owners can protect their horses by removing standing water and keeping animals inside from dusk to dawn.