Chippewa County, Wiz. (WEAU) – The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and the Chippewa County Health Department have confirmed that a woman in her 60s who lived in Chippewa County died of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). This is the second human case of EEE in the state this year, another in Eo Clare County. This is the first EEE case this year that has resulted in death.
“We are saddened to learn that one of our fellow Wisconsinites has signed an EEE and has passed away. This is the second confirmed case of EEE in our state this year and the severity of the infection cannot be exacerbated, “interim state health official Stephanie Smiley warned. We are. “
Nine cases of EEE have been reported in horses this year; They were all in the northwestern part of the state, and four of them were from Chippewa County. These cases of animals and now two residents of our community represent an unusually high level of EEE activity in the state.
EEE virus is a rare, but potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. Symptoms begin anywhere from three to ten days after the bite of an infected mosquito. Inflammation and inflammation of the brain, called encephalitis, is one of the most dangerous and frequent serious complications. In Wisconsin, the last EEE human case was reported in 2017.
EEE is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes get the EEE virus by feeding infected birds. The virus does not spread in person or directly between animals and humans.
Even though the temperature has cooled, as long as the mosquito is active, the risk of EEE and other diseases spread by mosquitoes can continue most of the fall. The only best prevention tool is to keep away from mosquito bites.
D.H.S. And the Chippewa County Health Department encourages all residents to take the following precautions:
Avoid mosquito bites
For exposed skin and wear apply an insect repellent with DET, picridin, lemon eucalyptus oil or IR3535.
Before going out of town, treat clothes with permethrin; Do not apply permethrin directly to the skin.
Consider reconstructing outdoor activities in the evening or early morning when mosquitoes are most active
Wear long sleeves, long pants and gloves when out to help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Mosquito-proof your home
Make sure window and door screens are intact and tightly fitted to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
Prevent mosquito breeding around your home by removing stagnant water from items around your property, such as tin cans, plastic containers, flower pots, discarded tires, roof gutters, and downscouts.
When not in use, rotate the wheelboards, ant bridges, buckets and small boats like canoes and kayaks.
Change the water in bird baths and pet dishes at least every three days.
Clean and chlorinated swimming pool, outdoor sauna and hot tubs; Water from the pool cover.
Cut or mow tall grasses, weeds and vines, as mosquitoes use these areas during hot day breaks.
Protect your animals
Livestock owners should minimize potential mosquito breeding grounds on their property, especially after heavy rains – by collecting standing water from buckets, tires and containers such as wedding bridges.
Owners should also talk to their veterinarian about approved mosquitoes for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE.
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