KALAMAZOO, MI (WTVB) – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is calling on counties where Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been found to cancel or postpone any outdoor activities that take place after dark after two more southwest Michigan residents died from the dangerous mosquito-borne illness.
The two latest deaths were reported in Cass and Van Buren Counties and they happened in two of the four newly confirmed human cases.
A Kalamazoo County man also passed away in August from EEE.
There have been a total of seven human cases in Barry, Berrien, Cass, Kalamazoo, and Van Buren Counties.
State health department spokesman Bob Wheaton says this year’s outbreak is the largest in nearly two decades in Michigan.
Residents are urged to take the proper precautions in order to prevent mosquito bites.
Officials say the first hard frost of the year should help reduce the mosquito population.
Citizens are being reminded to protect themselves against the mosquitoes 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.
