(WWJ) The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is urging residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites following the confirmation of one case of a mosquito-borne disease in a resident and three other possible cases in the state.
Three cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis -- also known as Triple E or EEE -- are now suspected in residents from Kalamazoo and Berrien counties, according to the MDHHS. In addition, a case of California Encephalitis Virus has been confirmed in a Genesee County resident.
One of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the U.S., EEE is a rare cause of potentially deadly brain infections.
"It has a 33% fatality rate fatality rate for humans who become ill," said Lynn Sutfin of the MDHHS, "and a 90% fatality rate for horses that become ill."
As of Aug. 26, six cases of EEE have been confirmed in horses in Barry, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph counties. None of the horses were vaccinated against EEE and all animals have died. There is an EEE vaccine available for horses, but not for people. In addition, two deer in Barry and Cass counties have been diagnosed with EEE.
People can be infected with EEE or California group encephalitis viruses from the bite of a mosquito carrying the viruses.
"Mosquito-borne diseases can cause long-term health effects in people and even death," said Dr. Mary Grace Stobierski, MDHHS state public health veterinarian and manager of the Zoonotic and Emerging Infectious Diseases Section. "These cases, along with confirmed cases in horses and deer in the state, stress the importance of taking precautions against mosquito bites."
Residents are urged to protect themselves and their families from EEE, California Encephalitis, West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases by taking the following steps:
- Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.
- Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes lay eggs.
- Use nets and/or fans over outdoor eating areas.
- Apply insect repellents that contain DEET, or other EPA approved product to exposed skin or clothing, and always following the manufacturer's directions for use.
- Wear light colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.
Learn more about Eastern Equine Encephalitis from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) AT THIS LINK.
