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Roscommon County resident has 'dangerous' mosquito-borne EEE virus
Detroit Free Press • • health
Key Points:
- Michigan has reported its first human case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) since 2021, with a resident of Roscommon County infected by the rare and often fatal mosquito-borne virus.
- EEE has a 30% fatality rate, and survivors may suffer permanent neurological damage; there is no specific treatment, only supportive care.
- State health officials are actively trapping and testing mosquitoes in Roscommon County and urging residents to take precautions such as using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water to reduce mosquito breeding.
- Alongside EEE, Michigan has detected West Nile virus and Jamestown Canyon virus in mosquitoes and animals across multiple counties, highlighting ongoing arbovirus surveillance efforts.
- Symptoms of EEE can range from mild systemic illness to severe encephalitis, with higher risk for severe disease in people under 15 and over 50 years old; prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites through various protective measures.
