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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Rogue Valley doctor runs for governor on climate change platform ... Emergency services, Oct. 16 ... Since You Asked: Park resurfacing delayed during winter ... Rogue Valley doctor runs for governor on climate change platform ... Emergency services, Oct. 16 ... Since You Asked: Park resurfacing delayed during winter ... Eagle Point horse tests positive for West Nile Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted Sep. 30, 2015 at 4:15 PM Posted Sep. 30, 2015 at 4:15 PM » Social News A horse from Eagle Point has tested positive for West Nile virus, according to Jackson County Vector Control District. Oregon State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Corvallis confirmed the virus on Sept. 25, said Jim Lunders, vector control manager and biologist. Lunders said horses are particularly susceptible to West Nile and should be vaccinated. "Horse owners have a responsibility to minimize their animals' exposure to mosquito bites and properly vaccinate them against diseases like (West Nile)," Lunders said in a release today. Horses should be vaccinated in the spring before West Nile is detected, vector control officials say. Previously unvaccinated horses need two doses of vaccine three to six weeks apart. It takes another four to six weeks after the second dose before the animal is fully protected, the release said. Previously vaccinated horses require an annual booster to maintain protection. West Nile virus has been detected in Jackson County in eight of the last 10 mosquito seasons. So far this year, the virus has been reported in nine Oregon counties, including Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, Umatilla, Union, Malheur, Morrow, Wallowa and Baker. Jackson County officials have found West Nile in 15 mosquito pools, five birds and the horse, the release said. Most people who become infected with West Nile do not become sick. Some may develop mild flu-like symptoms. But in some cases, West Nile may cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, said Jackson Baures, Jackson County Public Health Division manager. “Individuals with severe or unusual headaches should seek medical care as soon as possible," he said in the release. An elderly person in Butte County, Calif., died of West Nile after becoming ill in August, according to Butte County health officials, who declined to release any more details about the victim. The virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. About 1 in 5 infected people may show signs of fever. People at risk include those over age 50, people with immune-compromising conditions or people with diabetes and high blood pressure. Symptoms may include fever above 100 degrees and severe headache, stiff neck, mental confusion, muscle weakness, shaking, paralysis or rash. The incubation period is usually two to 14 days. Vector control officials say to limit exposure to West Nile, people should: • Eliminate all sources of standing water that can be a breeding ground for biting mosquitoes, such as flooded fields, birdbaths, wading pools and swimming pools not in use, clogged gutters and old tires. If it holds water for seven days, it can produce mosquitoes. • Stock mosquito fish in water troughs and ornamental ponds. They are available free at the Vector Control District Office, 555 Mosquito Lane, Central Point. • Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in mosquito-infested areas. • Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535 or picaridin. • Use residual insect sprays on horses. • Make sure all screen doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly. Vector control can be reached at 541-826-2199. MailTribune.com Writer Posted Sep. 30, 2015 at 4:15 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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