EEE Case Confirmed in Van Buren Horse
Michigan Department of Agriculture Reports First Case of 2024
Van Buren County, MI
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has confirmed Michigan's first case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in a horse in Van Buren County. The case was reported on August 7, 2024.
EEE is a viral disease that can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. It is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Symptoms in horses can include fever, depression, loss of appetite, and difficulty standing or walking. In humans, EEE can cause severe neurological symptoms, including seizures, coma, and death.
Cases of EEE are typically seen in late summer through early fall each year in Michigan. The virus is most commonly found in rural areas with high mosquito populations. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recommends that people take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, and eliminating standing water around their homes.
The MDARD is working with local health officials to investigate the source of the EEE infection and to take steps to reduce the risk of further cases. The department is also urging horse owners to vaccinate their animals against EEE.
This is a developing story, and more information will be released as it becomes available.
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