CENTREVILLE, MI (wtvb) – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has notified the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency that as of Wednesday, two unvaccinated horses in St. Joseph County have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis and both have died.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis is an infectious, often fatal disease of horses, humans, and pigs.
It is transmitted by mosquito vectors.
When levels of the circulating virus are high, mammals can become infected when bitten by a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird.
An infected horse may exhibit behavior that includes loss of awareness of their surroundings, walking in circles, and incoordination.
There is a vaccine that is available and health officials are urging horse owners if they suspect the disease, they should contact their veterinarian.
Community Health Agency Health Officer Rebecca Burns says the signs of EEE in humans include the sudden onset of fever, chills, body and joint aches.
You can protect yourself from mosquito bites that spread the virus by applying insect repellents containing DEET or EPA-approved products, installing screens on doors and windows and by wearing light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors or when mosquitoes are active.
For more information about how to protect yourself from EEE and other mosquito transmitted diseases, visit www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases.
