The rare virus is known as the Eastern Equine Encephalitis or EEE and Kent County’s first case was confirmed on Thursday after a deer died by the virus, according to the necropsy results from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
“This is a disease that comes from horses that spreads to mosquitoes and then spreads on to human beings that’s why its called “equine”. It is very very rare in human beings.”
That’s Steve Kelso from the Kent County Health Department. One in three people who contract EEE will die from it, and although it is very rare, Kelso says that until the first frost of the season happens precautions need to be taken.
“So if you can limit the time that you are outdoors during dusk that will really go a long way towards helping. We recommend that you use an insect repellant that contains DEET, wear some longer sleeve shirts, wear longer pants when you go outside.”
This year’s EEE outbreak is the worst Michigan has experienced in more than a decade. Thus far the state has confirmed 8 cases in humans and 23 cases in animals, and three people have died from the virus.
Because of the outbreak, Grand Rapids Public Schools officials have cancelled all evening activities happening tonight and this weekend.
Michelle Jokisch Polo, WGVU News.