The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is reminding residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites due to the recent outbreak of the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) cases in SW Michigan. There is confirmed cases of EEE in Kalamazoo, Cass, Van Buren, Berrien, Barry, St. Joseph, Genesee and Lapeer Counties, as well as a suspected case in Calhoun County.
The CDC reports that EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the United States, with a 33 percent fatality rate in people who become ill and a 90 percent fatality rate in horses that become ill. People can become infected with the EEE virus from the bite of a mosquito carrying the virus.
Early symptoms of EEE include the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, body and joint aches. Symptoms usually appear 4-10 days after exposure. EEE can develop into severe encephalitis (brain swelling), resulting in headache, disorientation, tremors, seizures and paralysis. Permanent brain damage, coma and death may also occur in some cases.
Avoid outdoor activities from dusk until dawn. Use insect repellent with DEET and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. For more information, contact the NHBP Health and Human Services Department at 269.729.4422.
