The Barry-Eaton District Health Department was notified that a deer found in Eaton County tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). This is the first confirmed animal case of EEE in Eaton County. There have been no human cases of EEE reported in Eaton County.
In Barry County, 1 human and 5 animal cases have been confirmed. Based on this information, BEDHD encourages residents of both Barry and Eaton County to continue to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites. According to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), 55 cases of EEE have been confirmed in 17 counties. EEE has been confirmed in 10 humans, and 45 animals.
There are no plans to conduct aerial spraying for mosquitos in Eaton County at this time. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) conducted aerial treatment in early October to help combat EEE by reducing mosquito populations in affected areas. At the time that aerial treatment was conducted, no EEE cases had been confirmed in Eaton County. Due to this, Eaton County was not included in the aerial treatment.
Mosquito populations continue until there is a very hard frost. According to the National Weather Service, the warmer weather in Michigan is expected to continue well into the month of October. This means that mosquitoes that carry the EEE virus can still bite and infect people and animals.
BEDHD encourages residents to continue to protect themselves from mosquito bites by:
• Avoiding being outdoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitos that carry the EEE virus are most active.
• Applying insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-registered product to exposed skin or clothing, and always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
• Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.
• Maintaining window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.
• Emptying water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs.
• Using nets and/or fans over outdoor eating areas.
