EEE, a Rare Mosquito-Borne Virus Suspected to Infect a Michigan Resident, 10 Counties Urged to Postpone Outdoor Events
Entomologist Betsy Coes identifies mosquito species at Dragon Mosquito Control on June 9, 2005, in Northampton, New Hampshire. As the wet spring weather moves into the heat of summer, experts expect a mosquito explosion, some of which carry the West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
Health officials recently announced that adults from Michigan are suspected of having the Eastern Equine Encephalitis or EEE, a rarely occurring yet dangerous mosquito-borne virus.
According to a report, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is now urging residents of 10 counties in the state, including "Oakland, Barry, Clare, Iona, Isabella, Montcalm, Jackson, Mecosta, Newaygo, and Kent" to postpone or cancel outdoor events happening at, or after dusk to avoid more people from getting the virus "which is spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes." The adult suspected with the virus is a reportedly a Barry County resident.
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The Triple E
The EEE also called the "Triple E," is one of the most fatal mosquito-borne diseases in the United States, with a fatality rate of 33 percent in individuals infected.
Reports also said survivors of this virus are left with physical and mental disabilities. More so, it kills 90 percent of the horses infected by EEE.
So far, in 2020, more than 20 horses in 10 counties that are advised to cancel outdoor events had confirmed Triple E cases.
According to MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health, Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the health department "continues to encourage local officials in the affected counties" to consider postponement, rescheduling, or cancellation of outdoor events taking place either at or after dusk, particularly those activities that involve kids, to lessen the probability for people to be bitten by infected mosquitoes.
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The First EEE Case to be Confirmed in Michigan this Year
News reports indicate that if the suspected case in humans is confirmed through a laboratory test later this week, it would be the first individual to have the Triple E in Michigan this year.
In 2019, there were 38 people in the US who were infected by the virus. This figure was reportedly higher than the number reported in the previous year since it has been followed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In a usual year, according to health experts, there are seven cases being reported nationwide
Children below 15 years old and adults who are older than 50 years are said to be at greater risk for the virus. Last year, in Michigan alone, six people died, and four others were confined at the hospital.
MDHHS spokeswoman Lynn Sutfin said, three of the four adults who survived the Triple E infections in the state "have severe neurologic issues and continue to receive supportive care" in either rehab or at home with home care.
Signs to Watch
Signs that one has an EEE infection include abrupt onset of fever, body and joint pains, and chills, which can develop to severe encephalitis, leading to headaches, tremors, paralysis, and seizures, among others.
Children aged below 15 years old and individuals above 50 years are at higher risk of developing severe illness resulting from the Triple E virus.
Health experts say there is no vaccine for this virus, and there are no treatment and cure, as well. Doctors can only provide therapy to help an infected patient breathe, receive fluids and nutrition, and avoid other infections.
Anyone suspecting he may have the symptoms is advised to seek medical care. Among the lingering effects of EEE are permanent brain damage, comatose, and in some cases, death.
Earlier this week, the MDHHS announced it would start spraying pesticides in the affected 10 counties where EEE cases in horses have been detected to control mosquitoes and lessen infection risk.
Meanwhile, Khaldun said, the suspected Triple E case in a Michigan resident presents this is a continuing threat to Michiganders' health and safety, not to mention calls for continued actions for the prevention of exposure, "including aerial treatment."
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Check out more news and information on the Eastern Equine Encephalitis on MD News Daily.
Sep 17, 2020 07:00 AM EDT
