2 Kzoo Co. human cases of EEE confirmed

LANSING, Mich. (WOOD) - The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Friday confirmed two human cases of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in Kalamazoo County.

A 61-year-old man is home recovering from the illness while a 41-year-old man is in intensive care in a Kalamazoo County hospital, according to a MDCH statement.

Both human cases have a history of local exposure to mosquitoes. No further details are being released.

These are the first human cases reported in Michigan since 2002.

The MDCH and the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) continue to receive reports of EEE cases in horses in Southwest Michigan, including Barry, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph counties.

EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the U.S., killing one third of those hospitalized with the infection, and often leaving survivors with lasting brain damage, according to the MDCH.

In addition to the human cases, 18 horses have tested positive for the virus, and the MDA has received more than 50 additional reports of deaths in horses.

The southwestern region of the state has experienced outbreaks of this mosquito-borne disease in the past with the most recent outbreaks occurring in the early 1980s and mid-1990s. Mosquito-borne illness will continue to be a risk in Michigan until late fall when nighttime temperatures fall below freezing.

"There is still plenty of mosquito season left in Michigan," said MDCH Chief Medical Executive Dr. Gregory Holzman. "When outdoors, either during recreation, participating in sports, or just enjoying the season, Michigan residents are urged to take precautions and protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites."

A virus of birds that is spread by mosquitoes, EEE is a rare illness in humans. Only a few human cases are reported each year in the U.S.

People who become ill with EEE may experience fever, headache, chills and nausea. In some cases, symptoms may progress to inflammation of the brain, signaled by disorientation, seizures and coma. Physicians treating patients with these symptoms should consider testing for EEE and other mosquito-borne viruses and should report suspect cases to their local health department.

EEE is spread by mosquitoes and causes inflammation of the horses' brains and leads to death in up to 90 percent of the cases. People cannot get the disease from horses, only from mosquitoes. There is a vaccination available to aid in prevention of the disease in horses.

"We want to encourage reporting of any signs, symptoms or deaths that appear to be related to this illness, even if the owner can’t afford the confirmatory tests," state veterinarian Steven Halstead said.

Report suspect horse cases to MDA at (517) 373-1077 and after hours at 1-800-292-3939.

"Reports of illness in horses usually precede illness in people by days to weeks, so these reports serve as an early warning for the human population," Halstead said.

Clinical signs in horses include: depression, fever, weakness, sweating, dehydration, seizures, abnormal facial expressions, not feeding, head down, stumbling, blindness and circling. Often, the horse is down and unable to get up.

"The majority of the 2010 affected Michigan horses were not currently vaccinated against EEE," Dr. Halstead said. "It is not too late to vaccinate horses against this deadly virus."

EEE is a reportable disease that also affects poultry such as chickens and emus. Veterinarians are required by law to report cases of EEE. Livestock owners are also encouraged to report cases.

"We encourage diagnostic testing because EEE can look like rabies, and although rabies is not common in horses, it is fatal and is contagious from horses to people," Halstead said.

Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn.

Communities and land owners in high-risk areas may consider the targeted application of insecticides (adulticides) to reduce the number of biting mosquitoes. The Michigan Mosquito Control Association maintains a list of licensed mosquito control applicators on its website.

Steps people should take to protect themselves include:

• Use repellent: When outdoors, use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin and/or clothing. The repellent/insecticide permethrin can be used on clothing to protect through several washes. Always follow the directions on the product label.
• Stay indoors when mosquitoes are biting: Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn.
• Wear protective clothing: Wear long sleeves and pants when weather permits.
• Install and repair screens: Have secure, intact screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
• Keep mosquitoes from laying eggs near you: Mosquitoes can lay eggs even in small amounts of standing water. Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets, barrels and tires. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains