KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Officials from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are investigating a case of mosquito-borne illness, plus three other possible cases, according to an official press release.
Officials suspect three possible cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in both Kalamazoo and Berrien County, plus a confirmed case of California encephalitis virus in Genesee County.
As of Monday, August 26, officials have confirmed six cases of EEE in horses across Barry, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph Counties, which have all died. Horses can be vaccinated against EEE, but not humans.
Two deer in Barry and Cass counties have also been diagnosed with EEE.
“Mosquito-borne diseases can cause long-term health effects in people and even death,” MDHHS state public health veterinarian and manager of Zoonotic and Emerging Infectious Diseases Section Dr. Mary Grace Stobierski said in a press release. “These cases, along with confirmed cases in horses and deer in the state, stress the importance of taking precautions against mosquito bites.”
As a result, citizens are being reminded to protect themselves against the blood-sucking insects with the following tips.
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Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved product to exposed skin or clothing, and always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
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Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.
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Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.
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Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs.
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Use nets and/or fans over outdoor eating areas.
EEE is a dangerous illness transferred from Mosquitos and has a 33% fatality rate in humans. The onset includes symptoms of headache, fever, and chills, which can ultimately develop into severe encephalitis, which can cause brain damage and death.
The news of the EEE detection comes following a case of West Nile Virus detected in a Kalamazoo goose earlier this year.
