FIRST ON FOX: Health officials confirm case of serious disease i - WFXG FOX54 Augusta - Your News One Hour Earlier

FIRST ON FOX: Health officials confirm case of serious disease in our area

Posted: Updated:
AUGUSTA, GA (WFXG) -

Health officials tell FOX54 that a horse has been diagnosed with Eastern equine encephalitis, a serious virus known as Triple E.

The virus is similar to West Nile except the host is an animal. Health officials say the disease is transmitted from horses to mosquitoes and then to humans.

The infected animal was reported in the Mike Padgett/McBean area.

Health officials say it's a rare and serious disease. There hasn't been a Triple E case in the area in years.

They say they are taking the case seriously and will be speaking with neighbors in the area about the health risks.

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