IONIA COUNTY, Mich. — A horse infected with Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has been found in Ionia County.
The Ionia County Health Department is strongly advising Ionia County residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Michigan is currently experiencing in increase in animal cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the United States, with a 33 percent fatality rate in people who become ill and a 90 percent fatality rate in horses that become ill.
Warning signs of EEE include the sudden onset of fever, chills, and body and joint aches. EEE can develop into severe encephalitis, resulting in headache, disorientation, tremors, seizures, and paralysis.
Permanent brain damage, coma, and death may also occur in some cases.
If you develop any of these warning signs, the Ionia County Health Department is advising you to seek medical attention immediately.
For more information about mosquito-borne diseases, visit this portion of Michigan.gov.
For a list of pesticide applicator businesses that are licensed to spray for mosquitoes in Michigan, visit this portion of Michigan.gov.
