MONTAKLUM COUNTY, MI – A former Montquim County resident diagnosed with eastern equine encephalitis has died, state health leaders say.
Officers did not identify the person or give any age or gender.
That person is the second human case of EEE in Michigan. A man from Berry County fell seriously ill, but is now recovering.
Chief Medical Executive and Chief Deputy for Health at the Michigan Health and Human Services Department, Dr. “This is our condolences to the family and friends of the Michigan resident,” Jonid Khaldu said in a written statement.
“The EEE is the most dangerous mosquito-borne disease in the United States, which is why we decided to carry out aerial treatment last month. “We continue to urge Michigan and Nders to take precautions against mosquitoes,” he said.
Announcing the death, health leaders said a horse from Baraga County in the Upper Peninsula has been diagnosed with EEE. This is EEE’s first animal case on the high peninsula this year.
So far this year, 36 EEE animal cases have been reported in 15 counties in the state. Last year, there were 50 cases of livestock and 10 cases of humans in the state by the end of the mosquito season.
Health officials say the threat of EEE will continue until there is a strong stabilization in the areas, with temperatures as low as 28 degrees for several hours.
A vaccine is available for horses. The state veterinarian says horse owners should consider vaccinating them.
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