State's first 2024 case of mosquito-borne disease EEE found in southwest Michigan horse

Michigan’s first case this year of Eastern equine encephalitis was detected in a horse in Van Buren County, the state announced.

The mosquito-borne virus was found in a Standardbred filly that was unvaccinated against EEE, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said in a news release this week. EEE is transmitted through mosquito bites to animals and people and cases are typically seen in Michigan in late summer to early fall, according to MDARD.

“It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to cause a severe illness,” Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the state's chief medical executive, is quoted saying in the news release. “We urge Michiganders to take precautions such as using an EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors, avoiding areas where mosquitoes are present if possible, and wearing clothing to cover arms and legs to prevent bites."

Bagdasarian called EEE "one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases" in the country. According to the CDC, about 30% of people with EEE die.

This is the only EEE case so far this year in Michigan, but West Nile virus has been detected in 48 mosquito pools, 12 wild birds and one person, according to the news release.

“While this is the first case of EEE detected this season, other mosquito-borne diseases have been discovered throughout Michigan, including one human case of West Nile virus,” State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland is quoted saying in the news release. “These detections clearly indicate disease is circulating in the state’s mosquito population, making it crucial to protect animals and people against these insects.”

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To protect animals, the state offered suggestions, including talking to a veterinarian about vaccinating horses against EEE and other mosquito-borne diseases; eliminating standing water; placing livestock in barns under fans and keeping pets inside during peak mosquito activity, and using an inspect repellent on animals that is approved for the species.

The state recommends people protect themselves by applying insect repellents, wearing light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outside and emptying water from potential mosquito breeding sites, like buckets and kiddie pools.

For more information about EEE, go to www.michigan.gov/EEE.