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For Immediate Release
October 23, 2025
Contact: Department of Health Services 608-266-1683
DHS Reminds Wisconsinites to Take Action Against Mosquito Bites
Continued protection recommended after a horse in Wisconsin tests positive for Eastern equine encephalitis
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) encourages Wisconsinites to continue to protect themselves against mosquito bites after the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) reported a horse in Marathon County tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus. A horse with EEE virus means that there are mosquitoes still present in Wisconsin that can spread EEE virus and possibly other illnesses to people and animals. DHS urges people, especially those who spend time working or playing outdoors, to continue to take steps throughout the fall season to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes.
EEE is a rare but serious disease. No human cases of EEE have been reported in the state so far this year. Since 2011, three of the seven human cases of EEE disease in Wisconsin occurred during the month of October, a time of year when many people think mosquitoes are no longer active. EEE virus spreads to humans, horses, and other animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes acquire EEE virus by feeding on infected birds. The virus is not spread person to person, directly between animals, or between animals and humans.
View the entire news release.
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