The Marquette County Health Department recently released an alarming announcement that all residents of the region need know about: A ruffed grouse in Marquette County has tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis, one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne illnesses in the U.S.

Infection by the virus that causes EEE in people and animals occurs through the bite of an infected mosquito and can be deadly, with a 33% fatality rate in humans.

EEE, has been diagnosed in four ruffed grouse in the Upper Peninsula over the past few years, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Mosquito-borne illness will continue to be a risk in Michigan until late fall when nighttime temperatures consistently fall below freezing, health department officials said.

This means that there is a need for precautions right now, as many of us have seen mosquitos flitting about during these recent warm fall days.

Signs of EEE include the sudden onset of fever, chills and body and joint aches. Illness can eventually develop into severe encephalitis, resulting in headache, disorientation, tremors, seizures and paralysis.

The disease is not spread person-to-person, meaning that the best course of action is to focus on protection from mosquito bites.

Marquette County Health Department officials recommend the following steps to avoid mosquito bites:

∫ Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved product, to exposed skin or clothing, and always follow the manufacturer’s direction for use.

∫ Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.

∫ Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.

∫ Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitos may lay eggs.

∫ Use nets and/or fans over outdoor eating areas.

To safeguard horses, owners are recommended to take the following measurers:

∫ Talking to a veterinarian about vaccinating horses against EEE.

∫ Placing horses in a barn under fans, as mosquitoes are not strong flyers during peak mosquito activity from dusk to dawn.

∫ Using an insect repellant on the animals approved for the species.

∫ Eliminating standing water on the property-i.e., fill in puddles, repair eaves, and change the water in buckets and bowls at least once a day.

∫ Contacting a veterinarian if a horse shows signs of the illness: mild fever and stumbling, which can progress to being down and struggling to stand.

For more information about mosquito-borne diseases, visit Michigan.gov/emergingdiseases.

(THE MARQUETTE MINING JOURNAL)