Michigan resident infected with a rare and deadly virus transmitted by mosquitoes

A Michigan resident has been infected with Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a mosquito-borne, dangerous virus that can quickly lead to death, state health officials said. EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the United States, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), with a mortality rate of 33%. Many survivors of the disease may experience lasting brain damage.

The person, originally from Allegan County, was hospitalized with the disease in late August.

EEE is very rare in the United States, and only a few cases are reported in the country each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the past, parts of Michigan have experienced outbreaks of disease transmitted by mosquitoes, the most recent occurred in the southwestern region in the 1980s, the mid-1990s and in 2010. This is the first human case reported in the state since 2016, when three people have been infected.

Symptoms of EEE infection include chills, fever, and joint and muscle pain. Other signs may include headache, irritability, restlessness, drowsiness, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, cyanosis, convulsions and coma.

Death usually occurs two to ten days after the onset of symptoms, but can occur much later, according to the CDC.

Health officials in Michigan have warned that mosquito-borne diseases would continue to pose problems in the state until late fall, when nighttime temperatures consistently drop below freezing.

"There are still many mosquitoes in Michigan," said Dr. Eden Wells, Medical Director of MDHHS, in a statement. "When they are outside, Michigan residents are advised to take precautions to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites, including using a mosquito repellent and wearing trousers." long and long sleeves. "

People must take the following steps to avoid mosquito bites and protect against mosquito-borne diseases:

• Avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when you're outside.
• Apply an insect repellent containing the active ingredient DEET or another approved EPA product on exposed skin or clothing.
• Use nets and / or fans on outdoor dining areas.
• Maintain screening of windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering buildings.
• Empty water from mosquito breeding sites such as buckets, unused ponds, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes lay.