Officials in Florida and New Hampshire have reported that horses in both states have tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).

On Oct. 5, the Jackson County, Fla., Health Department issued a public information bulletin indicating a horse residing between the towns of Malone and Campbellton had tested positive for EEE. More than 30 Florida horses have tested positive for EEE so far in 2013.

Meanwhile, further north, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services announced Oct. 8 that a horse residing in Deerfield had tested positive for EEE. This is the third EEE case confirmed in New Hampshire horses this year.

A viral disease, EEE affects the central nervous system and is transmitted to horses by infected mosquitoes. Its fatality rate in horses is 75-95%. The course of EEE can be swift, with death occurring two to three days after onset of clinical signs despite intensive care. Horses that survive might have long-lasting impairments and neurologic problems