WHTC (WHTC-AM/FM) — Health officials are confirming another case of eastern equine encephalitis — also called Triple E — in southwest Michigan.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services officials sa the state’s eighth human case of 2019 has been confirmed in Calhoun County. Three people in Kalamazoo, Van Buren, and Cass counties have died from the mosquito-borne illness so far this year.
Infection happens, typically, four to 10 days after a mosquito bite. Symptoms can include chills, fever, malaise, joint and/or muscle pain. anc can last one to two weeks. Most people recover with no central nervous system damaged.
People more vulnerable to Triple E include infants, small children, older people and those with immune disorders. Approximately a third of all people with EEE die from the disease within 10 days of contracting it., according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
Tips for protecting yourself or others include advice from the CDC, including:
Using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with one of the active ingredients below. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are considered safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- DEET
- Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)
- IR3535
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
- Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
- 2-undecanone
People should wear long sleeved tops and long pants, and treat outer clothing and gear with appropriate insect repellent.
Make sure indoor areas are protected by screens on windows and doors; repair holes in screens. Use air conditioning, if available.
Eliminate standing water outside or any other conditions that may support mosquito eggs.
