First case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Michigan in 2021 found in Livingston County horse

LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MI – Michigan’s first case this year of the mosquito-borne eastern equine encephalitis viral disease was found in a horse in Livingston County.

The positive case of the disease, also known as EEE, was found in a 2-year-old Standardbred filly from the county, said Dr. Nora Wineland, a veterinarian with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The disease, transmissible to both animals and humans, usually appears in late summer or early fall each year.

State officials want to warn horse owners and Michigan residents to take precautions to protect themselves from the disease, including vaccination. It has a 90% death rate in horses and a 33% death rate in humans who become ill, state officials said.

“The Livingston County horse was never vaccinated against EEE, and he developed signs of illness – including fever, lethargy and depression – which progressed until the ‘animal is showing neurological signs and is either on the ground with an inability to stand up,’ Wineland said in a statement.

“The horse was euthanized due to its declining condition. It is extremely important that horse owners contact their veterinarian to discuss the best way to protect their animals from this disease. “

In 2020, Michigan experienced 41 cases of EEE in animals and four cases in humans, officials said.

To protect animals from mosquitoes and disease, the state recommends discussing vaccinations and any potential symptoms with a veterinarian. Other measures include placing fans above the horses to disrupt the flight of mosquitoes, using insect repellent that is safe for animals, and removing standing water on the property.

The disease is not spread between horses or between horses and humans, officials said. It is only transmitted by mosquitoes.

In humans, symptoms include sudden fever, chills, and pain in the body and joints. The severe symptoms of EEE are headache, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, permanent brain damage, coma, and sometimes death.

“This equine case indicates that the EEE virus is here in Michigan and warns that residents could also be infected with a mosquito,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, medical director for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “Michigan residents are urged to take precautions and protect themselves from mosquito bites. “

Humans can wear insect repellant, as well as long-sleeved shirts and pants when they are outside to avoid mosquito bites. People should also keep doors and windows closed. Some of the preventative measures for horses also apply, such as fans and removing standing water.

The risk of EEE and other mosquito-borne diseases will last until late fall, when temperatures begin to drop, officials said. For more information on mosquito-borne diseases, visit Michigan.gov/EmergingDiseases.

Read more from The Ann Arbor News:

Federal government slams Ann Arbor station plan, citing high costs and too much parking

DTE Energy hopes Ann Arbor rejects idea of ​​starting its own power company

Some University of Michigan students forced to start fall semester in hotels