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LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Social Services Laboratory Bureau confirmed another case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) on a human Friday.
Eight cases of mosquito-borne disease have been confirmed among residents of Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties.
Three people died.
"The increasing geographic spread and the increasing number of EEE cases in humans and animals indicate that the risk for IAS is ongoing," said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, head of medical direction and head of the EEE. health of the MDHHS. "We continue to urge Michigandans to protect themselves from mosquito bites until the first frost."
Oakland County Health Division Mosquito Bite Prevention Tips:
- Use an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) approved insect repellent. The safety and effectiveness of all insect repellents registered with the EPA are evaluated. They contain DEET, picaridine, IR3535, lemon eucalyptus oil or para-menthane-diol as the active ingredient. Repellents containing a higher percentage of the active ingredient usually provide more durable protection. Always follow the instructions on the product label.
- Be careful when using an insect repellent on children's hands as it may irritate eyes and mouth.
- Wear protective clothing such as shirts and long-sleeved pants.
- Limit outdoor activities from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Maintain mosquito nets on doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out. Do not keep the doors open.
- Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the house, such as buckets, unused ponds, used tires or similar sites where mosquitoes can lay eggs.
- Use mosquito nets and / or fans on outdoor eating areas.
West Bloomfield sprays fields
The West Bloomfield School District stated that it was striving to mitigate any potential exposure to mosquito-borne diseases by applying anti-mosquito treatment in areas surrounding the practice and playgrounds. West Bloomfield High School. The school district has signed a contract with Mosquito Joe to implement this preventative treatment on Friday, September 20th.
According to the district, the factors contributing to this decision are:
- Elementary recreation takes place during the day when the risk is the lowest.
- Almost all practices take place immediately after school during the day.
- Many outdoor sports competitions take place on hard surfaces or on artificial turf, a factor known to prevent mosquito breeding and thus reduce the risk of contact.
The dangers of EEE
According to health officials, the EEA is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the United States, with a 33% death rate among people who become ill. People can be infected with EEE by the bite of a mosquito carrying the virus. People under the age of 15 and over the age of 50 are at greatest risk of acquiring a serious illness after an infection.
READ MORE: Michigan reports 3 EEE-related deaths in the worst epidemic in more than a decade
The EEE signs include sudden onset of fever, chills, body aches and joint pain that can progress to severe encephalitis, leading to headaches, disorientation, tremors, convulsions and paralysis. Permanent brain damage, coma and death can also occur in some cases.
Anyone with these symptoms should consult their doctor's office.
Horse, deer case
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, in addition to human cases, on September 16, nine EEE cases in horses had been confirmed in Barry, Kalamazoo, Lapeer and St. Joseph Counties. None of the horses were vaccinated against the EEE and all animals died, said the health department. There is an EEE vaccine available for horses, but not for humans.
In addition, five deer from Barry, Cass, Genesee, Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties were confirmed with EEE infection and were euthanized due to the severity of their symptoms.
About West Nile Virus
West Nile virus is a virus transmitted by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are infected with the virus by pricking an infected bird. The virus is then transmitted to humans by the bite of the infected mosquito. Most people infected with the virus have no symptoms or suffer from a mild illness, such as fever, headache and body aches. However, in some individuals, more severe inflammation and swelling of the brain that can cause illness can develop.
People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop severe, potentially life-threatening symptoms of West Nile virus if they become ill.
Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.
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