By NewsDesk  @bactiman63

In a follow-up on the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) situation in Michigan, state health officials now report nine human EEE cases from six counties–Barry, Calhoun, Kalamazoo (3), Van Buren, Berrien (2) and Cass. Three deaths are among the nine cases.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis
EEE/MDH

In addition to the human cases, EEE has also infected 27 animals (5 Barry, 1 Berrien, 2 Calhoun, 1 Cass, 1 Genesee, 2 Jackson, 6 Kalamazoo, 1 Kent, 1 Lapeer, 1 Montcalm, 1 Newaygo, 3 St. Joseph, and 2 Van Buren).

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is carried by certain types of mosquitoes in Michigan. It is a potentially serious disease that can affect anyone, but children and people over age 60 are more likely to get the more severe form of EEE illness.

EEE is found primarily in areas with swamps and bogs.  The risk of bites from infected mosquitoes is highest for people who work or play outdoors in these areas. Wearing insect repellent when outdoors (especially at dawn and dusk) is important to prevent EEE.

No human vaccine against EEE infection or specific antiviral treatment for clinical EEEV infections is available. Patients with suspected EEE should be immediately evaluated by a healthcare provider, appropriate serologic and other diagnostic tests ordered, and supportive treatment provided.