According to the Cayuga County Health Department, a horse at the southern end of the county died from West Nile Virus.
The virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, can go symptomless in humans. According to the numbers, 8 out of 10 people do not exhibit symptoms of the virus.
The department was notified by the state Department of Health about the death, and as of Friday it said no other animal or human deaths in the county have been reported due to the illness, according to a press release from health officials.
The department says that the public should remain vigilant and use protective measures when in areas where mosquitoes could bite. That means wearing long socks, shoes, pants and shirts that cover up skin when spending lengthy periods of time in spaces where bites could happen.
It also means ensuring there is minimal standing water on your property, according to health officials. Officials say eliminate standing water by cleaning clogged rain gutters, turning over wheelbarrows and wading pools, changing out water in bird baths, properly maintain and drain swimming pools, remove tires, throw away outdoor containers that hold water, drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers and use landscaping to eliminate low spots where water could accumulate.
Anyone with questions or concerns can contact the health department at (315) 253-1560.
