Mosquito Borne Virus Spreading in Michigan

Like we don't have enough to worry about these days, let's just add to the pile a rare and potentially deadly mosquito borne virus EEE which is spreading in Michigan.

According to the Detroit Free Press, six more horses now have confirmed cases of the virus, which is spread by the bite of infected mosquitos, bringing the total to 28 horses in 11 counties and one suspected human case.

Now you can see why I don't want to be outside after dark and why I never ever go camping. I HATE BLOOD SUCKING MOSQUITOS!

This past week, state health officials announced that an adult from Barry County is the first suspected human case of Triple E this year. They are currently conducting lab tests to confirm the case.

Some of the other high risk counties with cases in horse are:

Barry

Clare

Ionia

Isabella

Jackson

Kent

"There is an ongoing threat to the health and safety of Michiganders as we know mosquitoes are carrying this potentially deadly disease in these areas. Last year, 10 families were devastated by this disease and we are trying to protect others from being infected." (Detroit Free Press)

Here are a few things to look for regarding EEE symptoms:

1. Not all who are bitten by an EEE infected mosquito will be sickened by the virus. Many people will have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.

2. There is no treatment for the EEE virus.

3. Symptoms of EEE typically appear from four to 10 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.

The only way to protect yourself from the Triple E virus is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. (Detroit Free Press)