MONTCALM COUNTY, Mich. — A deadly disease carried by mosquitoes is back in West Michigan.
A horse in Montcalm County tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, according to the Michigan Department of Agruculture and Rural Development.
This is the second confirmed case of EEE in Michigan. A horse in Clare County tested positive earlier in August.
Last year 6 people in Michigan died after contracting the disease.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recommends the following steps to prevent catching EEE:
- Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved products, to exposed skin or clothing and always follow the manufacturer’s directions 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 children’s pools, old tires, or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs.
- Use nets and/or fans over outdoor eating areas.
