Precautions Advised to Guard Against Eastern Equine Encephalitis

In light of the rare, but serious mosquito-borne virus Eastern Equine Encephalitis, State of Michigan and Kalamazoo County health officials are recommending avoiding outdoor activities after dusk.

Seven people have now been identified with the potentially life-threatening disease. Cases have been confirmed in Kalamazoo, Barry, Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties in southwest Michigan.

People under the age of 15 and over the age of 50 are at greatest risk of severe disease following infection.

State health officials recommend using insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other EPA-approved products, on exposed skin or clothing.

According to the Center for Disease control, systemic infection has an abrupt onset and is characterized by chills, fever, malaise, and joint and muscle pain. The illness lasts one to two weeks and recovery is complete when there is no central nervous system involvement. Those who develop these symptoms are encouraged to seek medical care.

Steps to take to ensure proper protection include:
Avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Wear light-colored, long sleeved shirts and long pants while outdoors.
Apply insect repellents that contain DEET or other EPA-approved products to exposed skin or clothing, following the manufacturer's directions for application.
Use nets over outdoor eating areas.
Maintain window and door screening to deep mosquitoes out of buildings.
Empty water from common mosquito breeding sites such as buckets, swimming pools, old tires or similar items.
For more information go to www.cdc.gov/EasternEquineEncephalitis.