A 2nd equine encephalitis case in Kzoo

KALAMAZOO (AP/WOOD) - Health officials are warning people about the danger of contracting a form of encephalitis from mosquito bites.

The Detroit News reported Friday that two Kalamazoo County residents have contracted Eastern equine encephalitis, a disease seen in horses but rarely seen in humans.

The virus is transferred to humans through infected mosquitoes. Some people who are infected suffer from headaches, fever, chills and vomiting. It also can lead to disorientation, seizures, coma and even death.

24 Hour News 8 confirmed a 41-year-old man is in Bronson Hospital after initial tests indicated he likely had encephalitis. The previous case involved a 61-year-old man who has been released from a Cincinnati hospital and is undergoing rehabilitation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says five to 10 human cases are reported annually in the United States.

But there have been 12 confirmed cases of horses with EEE and over 30 suspected cases in Barry, Eaton, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Van Buren, Cass and St. Joseph counties. Infected horses will be listless, staggering and unable to stand.

But most people will exhibit few, if any, symptoms. About 5% of those infected from EEE will develop a neuro-invasive disease, and about a third die.

The heat, humidity and heavy rain amplify the environment in which mosquitoes thrive.

On the Net:

CDC - Eastern Equine Encephalitis