Michigan Health Officials Issue Warning: EEE Threat is Not Over
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is reminding people across Michigan that the threat of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) from mosquitoes is not gone.
The MDHHS says "until we have several days of consistently freezing temperatures it is possible that mosquitoes can still be active in areas of our state" and with that activity comes the threat of EEE.
Mosquitoes do not fly when outdoor temperatures are below 50 degrees, but mosquitoes can reemerge if temperatures are above 50 degrees.
The most recent known onset of illness in a confirmed case of EEE was Oct. 11. It occurred in Kalamazoo County.
EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the United States. There is at least a 33 percent fatality rate in people who become ill.
This year in Michigan, EEE has been confirmed in 10 people, with five fatalities. Human cases were found in people who live in Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties.
EEE has also been confirmed in 46 animals from 17 counties: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Eaton, Genesee, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lapeer, Livingston, Montcalm, Newaygo, St. Joseph, Tuscola and Van Buren.