Del. health officials announce second human case of West Nile Virus, first horse case of 2021

DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Division of Public Health says a second human case of West Nile Virus and first horse case in 2021 has been confirmed.

We’re told a 79-year-old Sussex County woman has become infected with the virus, making it the state’s second case of human West Nile Virus in 2021. An epidemiological investigation is currently ongoing to confirm any travel history or sources that could have resulted in transmission.

In addition, the Office of the State Veterinarian has announced a confirmed case of West Nile Virus in a horse. We’re told the infected horse was a 3-year-old Standardbred gelding living in Kent County. The horse reportedly began showing signs of weakness in the hind limbs with fever and respiratory signs on October 1st. The horse lost the ability to stand and was sadly euthanized on October 5th, and samples were submitted to the lab on Wednesday, with the diagnosis confirmed on Thursday.

The affected horse was not vaccinated against WNV.