News and Music Discovery
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Western TN Horse Positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis

Michael Pettigrew, 123rf Stock Photo

Tennessee officials are advising people to take precautions after a horse in west Tennessee tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis. 

The state Departments of Agriculture and Health say the virus can be fatal for horses and humans. While humans can’t contract it directly from infected horses, mosquitoes transmit the virus.

Medical entomologist Dr. Abelardo Moncayo said Tennessee has never had a documented human case.

The horse infected in Madison County didn't survive.

The virus kills up to 90 percent of horses infected. There is no vaccine for humans, but there is an effective horse vaccine.

Matt Markgraf joined the WKMS team as a student in January 2007. He's served in a variety of roles over the years: as News Director March 2016-September 2019 and previously as the New Media & Promotions Coordinator beginning in 2011. Prior to that, he was a graduate and undergraduate assistant. He is currently the host of the international music show Imported on Sunday nights at 10 p.m.
Related Content