Eastern Equine Encephalitis

Who is at risk of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) illness?

• EEE virus has been reported from the Atlantic to the Gulf Coast states and the Great Lakes region, including Michigan.
• Anyone in an area where the virus is present can get infected with EEE virus from a mosquito bite.
• People who engage in outdoor work and recreational activities in endemic areas are at increased risk of infection.
• Persons over age 50 and under age 15 seem to be at greatest risk for developing severe disease when infected with EEE.
• EEE infection is thought to confer life-long immunity against re-infection to survivors.

Where is EEE a risk in Michigan?

• EEE has been reported in animals and people throughout the state.  
• EEE is most commonly found in swamp and bog habitats.
• All residents of and visitors to areas where EEE activity has been identified are at risk of infection.

What are the symptoms of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) infection?

• No symptoms in many people. Most people who become infected with EEE do not develop any symptoms.
• Febrile illness in some people. Some people who are infected will develop chills, fever, weakness, muscle and joint pain. The illness may last up to two weeks.  Most people with this type of EEE disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.
• Severe symptoms in a few people. Less than 1% of people who are infected will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues).

• The symptoms of neurologic illness can include high fever, headache, irritability, restlessness, drowsiness, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, bluish discoloration of the skin, convulsions, and coma.
• Serious illness can occur in people of any age. However, children and people over 60 years of age are at the greatest risk for severe disease. People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants, are also at greater risk for serious illness.
• Recovery from severe disease may take several weeks or months. Of those who recover, many are left with disabling and progressive mental and physical sequelae, which include can range from minimal brain dysfunction to severe intellectual impairment, personality disorders, seizures, paralysis, and cranial nerve dysfunction. Many patients with severe sequelae die within a few years.
• About 30 percent of people who develop neurologic infection due to Eastern Equine Encephalitis will die.

• 2022 Year-End Arbovirus Summary
• 2021 Year-End Arbovirus Summary
• 2020 Year-End Arbovirus Summary
• 2020 EEE Outbreak Summary presentation
  
  

2021 Press Releases

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Continues to Pose a Threat to Michiganders and Their Animals (10/12/2021)

First Mosquitos of 2021 carrying Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus found in Barry County (8/27/2021)

State Confirms Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Livingston County Horse (8/26/2021)

FAQ :  Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Aerial Treatment 

Spanish | Arabic