(COLDWATER) – Authorities say a dead horse in St. Joseph County had West Nile Virus.

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency says they were notified by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services about the death of a horse in St. Joseph County with the West Nile Virus. It’s the second animal in the tri-county area to have West Nile Virus in September.

CHA Health Officer Rebecca Burns says there has been an increase in human and animal cases of West Nile Virus across Michigan since the first case was reported this year on September 9.

West Nile Virus is only shared to a human or animal through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who are infected with the virus will show mile or no symptoms. If someone does show symptoms, it is usually between three and 15 days after being bitten.

Mild symptoms include fever, confusion, muscle weakness and severe headache. More serious complications may include meningitis or encephalitis. West Nile Virus can affect anyone, but individuals over the age of 50 are at increased risk for more severe symptoms. If you experience serious symptoms, contact your health care provider.

You should also take precautions to reduce mosquito bites when outdoors at dusk or dawn. That includes wearing long sleeves and light colored clothing; Using an EPA registered insect repellent as directed; And deter mosquitoes from your property by eliminating and reducing potential breeding areas, such a stagnant water in old tires, bird baths, or containers. If you have livestock water troughs, empty and refill weekly until first frost. Keep your grass cut short and shrubs trimmed, and clean debris from gutters.

To protect your animals: Talk to your veterinarian about vaccinating horses against EEE; Place horses in a barn under fans during peak mosquito activity from dusk to dawn; and Use an insect repellent on the animals that is approved for the species.