EEE Virus in Michigan: What You Need to Know

Mosquitos suck – in more ways than one. They’re annoying buggers who sting, steal blood and carry diseases like swine flu. And, because our lovely Mitten State is surrounded by water, we have to deal with them on the regular. Fortunately, these pests are only around in the spring and summer months. Our chilly fall and winter weather usually sends these common insects packing.

This year’s batch of bugs, however, aren’t going away peacefully – as some are carrying the potentially deadly Eastern equine encephalitis, or EEE, virus. And here in our home state, as of this post’s publication, it’s already claimed the lives of four Michiganders, according to a report by the Detroit News.

What is the EEE Virus?

The Centers for Disease Control notes that Eastern equine encephalitis is a rare brain infection that are usually found in Eastern or Gulf Coast states. A person who contracts EEE virus through a mosquito bite will endure symptoms similar to the flu including fever, chills, joint pain and muscle aches around four to 10 days after the initial contact.

If the virus does not affect the central nervous system, a patient may remain sick for a week or two before recovery. However, the CDC adds, if the virus does reach the central nervous system, a patient may experience all of the above – plus headache irritability, drowsiness, vomiting diarrhea, convulsions and coma.

If left untreated, EEE has a mortality rate around 30% and can cause other nervous system issues such as seizures, paralysis and cranial nerve damage. As of this writing, there have been nine confirmed human cases in southwest Michigan, which is reportedly more than the number of cases over the past 10 years combined. There also have been 33 animal cases in 15 counties, including Genesee, Lapeer and Livingston.

Preventative Care and Treatment

While cases haven’t cropped up in southeast Michigan – and colder weather is slowly but surely rolling in – being vigilant is important. Currently, there is no human vaccine to prevent the contraction of the EEE virus. There’s no specific treatment either, the CDC notes – severe cases are addressed with a combination of “hospitalization, respiratory support, IV fluids and prevention of other infections.”

That said, health care providers do have suggestions for families to avoid mosquitoes until the first big frost. Here are some insights from Boston Children’s Hospital:

1. Cover your skin with socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts while outdoors.
2. Avoid standing water and other places where mosquitoes thrive.
3. Clear any standing water from around your home, including water that accumulates in children’s toys or leaves and water that can accumulate in your house’s gutters.
4. Wear insect repellent that contains DEET. Be sure to apply it to all exposed skin areas – and to your clothing.

Be extra mindful in wooded areas or if your kids take part in outdoor recreational activities. As the Detroit News reports, some high schools have even bumped games and events to earlier times to avoid the insects’ prime feasting hours.

Washtenaw and Livingston counties have also done aerial spraying in an effort to kill mosquitoes with pesticides. Ultimately, keep a watchful eye. If you suspect a family member might have EEE, the CDC says, “consult your health care provider for a proper diagnosis.”