UNDATED, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Although the temperatures are dropping, state health officials say residents still need to be cautious due to the continuing risk of Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says mosquitoes do not fly when outdoor temperatures are below 50-degrees; however, if it warms up throughout the day mosquitoes can emerge, so keep the bugspray handy.
“Unfortunately, there isn’t a specific temperature or other scientific literature to positively say the threat is over. Until we have several days of consistently freezing temperatures it is possible that mosquitoes can still be active in areas of our state,” says Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for MDHHS.
Recently, a deer in Eaton County was another confirmed animal case of the rare mosquito-borne illness, bringing the total to about 46 animal cases in 17 counties, and 10 human cases in 6 counties, including 5 deaths.
—
MDHHS released a list so Michiganders can continue protecting themselves from mosquito bites:
- Avoid being outdoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes that carry the EEE virus are most active, particularly when temperatures at dusk are above 50 degrees.
- Applying 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.
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.
- Maintaining window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.
- Emptying water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs.
- Using nets and/or fans over outdoor eating areas.
More information is available at Michigan.gov/EEE.
