The deadly eastern equine encephalitis, or EEE virus killed two emus in Nassau, Rensselaer County this week, the county said.

The virus spreads when an infected mosquito bites. It does not spread from person to person, people to animal or animal to person.

The virus can also affect people, with those over 50 and under 15 at highest risk.

Symptoms include a sudden headache, high fever, chills and vomiting. That may progress into confusion, seizures and coma. It may also cause permanent brain damage. However, some people may have no symptoms.

The virus is expected to be around until the first hard frost, the county said.

People are encouraged to wear long sleeves and use insect repellent.

Mosquitoes are more active during dawn and dusk.