EEE Confirmed In Another Horse As Aerial Spraying Continues

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(WWJ) - Another case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in a horse has been confirmed in St. Joseph County, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services just announced. 

To help combat this deadly disease, more than 328,000 acres have been treated with insecticide, and a fourth night of aerial treatment occurred Friday night.  

The latest horse diagnosed with EEE first presented symptoms on September 23, prior to treatment beginning.

As of Oct. 4, EEE has been confirmed in nine people, with four fatalities. Cases are in Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties. Cases have also occurred in 34 animals from 15 counties: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Genesee, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lapeer, Livingston, Montcalm, Newaygo, St. Joseph and Van Buren.

The mosquitos that spread EEE are still active and were caught in traps set Oct. 1 in southwest Michigan. Aerial treatment will continue, depending on weather, until all areas of risk are treated or there is a hard frost sufficient to kill these mosquitos.

Health officials say EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the U.S., with a 33 percent fatality rate in people who become ill. People can be infected with EEE from the bite of a mosquito carrying the viruses. Persons younger than age 15 and over age 50 are at greatest risk of severe disease following infection.

As there is an EEE vaccine available for horses, but not for people, all Michigan residents are urged to continue to protect themselves by:

  • Apply 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.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.
  • Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.
  • Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs.
  • Use nets and/or fans over outdoor eating areas. 

Signs of EEE include the sudden onset of fever, chills, body and joint aches which can progress to a severe encephalitis, resulting in headache, disorientation, tremors, seizures and paralysis. Permanent brain damage, coma and death may also occur in some cases. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should see a doctor. 

Residents are encouraged to visit Michigan.gov/EEE for the very latest information.