State confirms first human case of mosquito vector EEE

Barry County, Michigan-A man in Barry County tested positive for triple encephalitis (EEE), a mosquito-borne disease.

Earlier this week he was tested by the Mayo Clinic. However, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is considering testing the screening, said Lynn Sutfin, a spokesperson for MDHHS.

According to a press release, the State Department conducted its own confirmation test and tested positive on Friday. This is the first confirmed human case of EEE in Michigan this year.

To date, 30 horses have been diagnosed with EEE throughout the state. According to MDDHS, the number of animal cases has doubled since this time last year.

Last year, 10 people in Michigan were infected and 6 died from the virus.

People can get infected with EEE by being bitten by mosquitoes that carry the virus. According to MDHHS, the virus has a 33% mortality rate in people who get sick.

As mosquito-borne diseases spread rapidly to 12 counties, MDHHS has taken aggressive mitigation measures this year.

On Monday, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Urgent rules temporarily interrupt the notification and opt-out process. So far, a total of 226,000 acres have been sprayed across the state.

Due to the low temperature, aerial spraying will be stopped on weekends. Mosquitoes carrying EEE do not fly at temperatures below 50 degrees Celsius, MDHHS.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS Chief Health Officer and Secretary of Health, does not mean that the cold front is over the threat of EEE or other mosquito-borne diseases.

Mosquitoes that retain EEE remain active for extended periods of time until they are completely frozen, which corresponds to temperatures below 28 degrees Celsius.

“Treatments are being taken to protect the health and safety of Michigan in the affected areas,” Cardan said. “EEE is a deadly mosquito-borne virus that can affect both humans and animals, and Michigan needs to continue to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.”

Efforts to prevent the outbreak of EEE are coming at a time when Michigan and most of the country are still in the midst of a more widespread coronavirus pandemic. The World Health Organization states that there is no evidence that mosquitoes can carry COVID-19.

Relation: Expanded aerial spraying of mosquitoes after new EEE cases confirmed in horses, Michigan

New cases of EEE in horses were recently identified in Calhoon County, reaching a total of 29 cases of EEE in horses across 12 counties as of 17 September.

EEE vaccine is available for horses, but not for humans. The state veterinarian Nora Winelands does not require vaccination of horses, but it is highly recommended.

In addition, Allegan County deer have been diagnosed with EEE. The affected counties are currently Allegan, Barry, Calhorn, Claire, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Livingston, Mecosta, Montcalm, New Weigo and Auckland.

Additional horse cases extend the aerial spraying plan. According to MDHHS, detailed information about the Allegan County deer case has been collected and changes to the treatment plan will be announced at a later date.

The latest treatment zone is on the MDDHS website County-level aerial treatment map.. For more information on EEE, please visit: Michigan.gov/EEE..

The Department of Health encourages residents to do the following to prevent mosquito bites:

• Avoid being outdoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes carrying the EEE virus are most active.
• Apply an insect repellent, including the active ingredient DEET or other US Environmental Protection Agency approved products, to exposed skin or clothing and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers outdoors. Apply an insect repellent to your clothing to prevent insect bites.
• Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outdoors.
• Drain water from mosquito breeding sites around the house, such as buckets, unused children’s pools, old tires, or similar areas where mosquitoes can spawn.
• Use the net or fans in the outdoor dining area.

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