PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A 14-year-old Portage girl who was infected with the mosquito-borne EEE virus has entered rehab and is said to be making a recovery.
Savannah DeHart was one of the earliest reported cases of EEE in Michigan. She spent weeks in intensive care and needed a ventilator to breathe.
DeHart’s family says that since checking into rehab, she can now perform simple tasks, such as turning her head and lifting her arms.
Her family says she suffered ministrokes while she was under intensive care, but doctors are hoping that the damage is reversible.
While the first hard frost of the season is expected to kill most mosquitoes, citizens are still advised to take proper precautions against mosquitoes in the meantime.
The State of Michigan is providing the following tips to protect against mosquitoes:
- Avoiding being outdoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitos that carry the EEE virus are most active.
- Applying insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-registered 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.
