(WWJ) Along with West Nile Virus, there's a second mosquito-borne illness to be aware of as summer winds down in the Great Lakes region.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis, also known as Triple E or EEE, has been confirmed in a horse in Northern Michigan.
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) officials said the disease was detected in a horse from Benzie County that had not been vaccinated against EEE.
There is an EEE vaccine for horses, but not for people at this point.
This is case, confirmed by the state and announced on Thursday, is the state's first case of the disease in a domestic animal so far this year.
EEE is a virus that can be transmitted to both animals and people through mosquito bites.
State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland said, in a news release: "These detections clearly indicate disease is circulating in the state's mosquito population, making it crucial to protect animals and people against these insects. Preventing mosquito bites will prevent mosquito-borne diseases."
The state health department warns that EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito borne illnesses in the U.S..
About one-third of people who contract it will die.
"It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to cause a severe illness," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. "We urge Michiganders to take precautions such as using an EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors, avoiding areas where mosquitoes are present if possible, and wearing clothing to cover arms and legs to prevent bites. EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the United States, with a 33% fatality rate in people who become ill."
To protect yourself and your family from mosquito-borne diseases:
- Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET or other EPA-approved products to exposed skin or clothing. Always follow 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.
- Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.
- Empty standing water on your property, such as buckets, kiddie pools, old tires, and other water-holding containers where mosquitoes can lay eggs.
For more information about EEE, please visit www.michigan.gov/EEE. For the latest updates on EEE and other equine diseases, visit the Equine Disease Communication Center at www.equinediseasecc.org.