A case of West Nile virus has been confirmed in a horse in Seneca County, marking the county’s first equine case, according to the Seneca County Health Department.
The New York State Department of Health confirmed the West Nile case this week. According to the department’s most recent weekly report on mosquito-borne illnesses (for Aug. 31 through Sept. 6), one equine West Nile cases was reported to date in 2025. This figure does not include the latest Seneca County equine case.
“While West Nile virus cases in horses do not pose a direct threat to people, they signal that there is enough of the virus present in out environment for mosquitoes to potentially transmit the illness to residents,” Scott King, Seneca County’s Director of Public Health, said in a news release.
Cases for West Nile Virus typically peak around mid- to late-September, based on the three-year rolling average of 2021-23 used by the New York State Department of Health. Most people are infected in the summer and early fall, according to the state health department.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 986 West Nile virus cases were reported in humans this year, as of Sept. 16. Of those, 25 cases were reported in New York state. By far, Colorado has seen the most West Nile cases in 2025, according to the CDC, with more than 200 West Nile cases reported.
What are symptoms of West Nile virus?
According to the New York State Department of Health, less severe symptoms include fever, headache and body aches, nausea, skin rash and swollen lymph glands. These symptoms typically last a few days – but may last several weeks. More severe symptoms include high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.
Roughly 70 to 80% of those infected do not show any symptoms, according to state health officials. People 50 and older have a higher risk for serious illness.
Can my pet be infected with West Nile?
Pets occasionally get West Nile virus from mosquito bites, but very rarely get sick. Horses are more susceptible to serious illness from West Nile than are dogs and cats; however, a vaccine is available for horses, according to state health officials.
How to prevent the spread of West Nile
“Residents should take precautions to both protect themselves and their animals from mosquito bites when the head outdoors to enjoy the warm weather,” King said.
Some methods to do so include:
West Nile is usually spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is not spread person to person or by handling an infected deceased bird.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: West Nile virus found in upstate NY horse: What to know
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
