News
EEE cases on the rise in Michigan
The Michigan Department of Agriculture is encouraging horse owners to vaccinate with cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) already double that of 2019.
The department says last year Michigan had one of the worst outbreaks of EEE ever documented in the state, with 10 human cases—including 6 deaths—and 50 cases in animals from 20 counties.
The state has confirmed 18 cases so far this year, compared to eight by this time in 2019, and the disease is more widespread throughout counties.
State Veterinarian Nora Wineland says they don’t know if the spike in cases is due to a lapse in vaccinations or a higher prevalence of the disease in Michigan’s mosquito population, but it shouldn’t be ignored.
Signs of EEE in people include the sudden onset of fever, chills, body, and joint aches. Horse owners should contact a veterinarian if an animal shows signs including fever and stumbling.
