Michigan health officials say the state is seeing a higher incidence of equine encephalitis in animals compared with last year at this time.
Eastern equine encephalitis, or triple E, is one of the most deadly mosquito-borne illnesses in the US.
Lynn Sutfin is with the Department of Health and Human Services. She said the cases are so far just among animals.
“We have not seen any cases in humans so that is good news. But last year we did have ten human cases and six individuals did die. That is concerning. This is a very serious virus.”
There have been eighteen total cases among animals so far this year.
“It lets us know that it is definitely here in our state. We need Michiganders to really seriously take precautions to prevent mosquito bites which then prevents the virus.”
Sutfin advises Michiganders to wear long sleeves and insect repellents and avoid being outside at dusk and dawn.