Michigan Resident Infected with Dangerous, but Rare Mosquito Disease

An Allegan County resident has a confirmed case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) disease. According to WNEM, EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne illnesses in the United States. This disease is rare but has a 33 percent fatality rate. It can leave those who survive with lasting brain damage. The Allegan County resident was taken to a hospital in late August.

There are still plenty of mosquitos in Michigan, health officials warn residents to use protection when outdoors. Using an insect repellant and covering bare skin with clothing can help.

EEE can also cause neurologic illness in horses, but there is a vaccine for them. Since only a few human cases are reported each year, there is no vaccine for us at this time.

Symptoms of EEE include fever, headache, chills, nausea. If untreated they can progress to inflammation of the brain, seizers, or even coma.

This illness is rare and usually reported in the Gulf Coast states. There is no specific treatment for EEE, according to the CDC website. Treatment is based on symptoms.