HAMBURG TWP. (WWJ) - The deadly mosquito-borne virus Eastern Equine Encephalitis appears to be moving east.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says an unvaccinated 3-year-old horse from Livingston County's Hamburg Township was confirmed to have contracted EEE. After the animal experienced a sudden onset of neurological symptoms last week, it had to be euthanized.
The is the first case of EEE identified in Livingston County, and the closest to the Detroit area.
According to the MDARD , the case brings the total number of animal EEE cases for 2019 to 17 -- 15 equine and 2 canine, from the following counties: Barry (2), Calhoun (2 canine cases), Jackson (1), Kalamazoo (5), Lapeer (1), Livingston (1), Montcalm (1), Newaygo (1), and St Joseph (3).
The health department has also confirmed nine human cases in Michigan; including three people who died. The human cases are in Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties.
Note that no human cases have been reported in Livingston County.
In a letter sent to parents of students in the Brighton, Fowlerville, Hartland, Howell and Pinckney public school districts, officials say they schools have taken the following proactive steps:
- Making announcements and providing signage at outdoor evening events to reinforce precautionary steps to minimize the risk of contracting EEE.
- Limiting youth activities and trips during the day to parks where the grounds have not been sprayed for mosquitos.
- Re-scheduling select outdoor youth events.
- Spraying for mosquitos on school grounds where children and spectators congregate near dusk as part of sponsored school events.
School officials said while they're not canceling any school events or activities at this time, they're encouraging families to you to follow the recommendations by Michigan and Livingston County health departments.
"Although EEE is very rare, as public schools we recognize the importance of working with the Health Department to reduce the risk of EEE exposure," the letter continues.
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.
This latest update comes as the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said spraying of pesticides by low-flying aircraft was is planned to begin Monday evening in areas considered most high-risk for EEE. Livingston County is not targeted for aerial spraying at this time. Kalamazoo, which was in the planned target area, has opted out.
Residents are encouraged to visit Michigan.gov/EEE for the very latest information.
