Health Department Monitoring Eastern Equine Encephalitis Cases

medical57-28
medical57-28

The Berrien County Health Department is advising everyone to take common sense steps to avoid mosquito bites as the number of Eastern Equine Encephalitis cases in Michigan has gone up. On Friday, the state health department said a new case was discovered in Calhoun County. Berrien County Health Department spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News the Berrien count remains at one, with one more suspected. She says using insect repellent and wearing long pants and sleeves are key ways to protect yourself. This especially applies at night.

“We certainly have provided information to schools, community groups, and others who have outdoor evening events scheduled and let them know about what risks are there with Eastern Equine Encephalitis,” Conrad said.

Some local high schools are bumping up the times of their Friday night football games because of the mosquito concerns. Conrad says the local health department isn’t making that recommendation, but…

“Even though we are headed right into fall, we are in fall now, mosquitoes are definitely still active, and it is important that people are still taking those personal preventative actions against mosquito bites.”

Benton Harbor and St. Joseph both have earlier start times for Friday football this week. Conrad says it should be remembered that even with more cases in the state this year, the disease is still extremely rare. She says your best move is to use bug spray that contains DEET. You can learn more about EEE right here.