The mosquito-borne diseases Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus have been found in animals in Van Buren and Cass counties.
Van Buren-Cass District Health Department (VBCDHD) officials confirm cases of EEE in two horses in Van Buren County and one horse in Cass County. Health officials also confirm the detection of West Nile Virus in an animal in Cass County. No human cases have been detected.
Officials say the diseases are only spread by mosquito bite. The VBCDHD stresses the importance of prevention since there is no specific treatment for EEE or West Nile Virus. County disease experts say it only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to cause severe illness. One in five people develop symptoms like headache, body aches, and joint pain.
“Though the risk of contracting these diseases for residents is low, it is not zero. While (these viruses) pose significant health risks, there are effective steps we can all take to reduce the chances of infection.” — Dr. Larry Wile, VBCDHD Medical Director.
Steps to follow are all focused on limiting your exposure to mosquitoes — that includes removing standing water where mosquitoes can breed, limiting time outdoors between dusk and dawn, wearing protective clothing and using insect repellant, and vaccinating horses against the viruses.
According to state health officials, there have been 154 positive mosquito pools and seven human cases of West Nile Virus in Michigan this year.
