Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a mosquito-borne virus, recently led to the deaths of three Michigan residents, and U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) is pressing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for details of their efforts to halt it.
In addition to the three fatalities, EEE has infected four others in the state, marking a significant uptick in what is now the largest annual EEE outbreak in more than 50 years, according to the CDC. Further, 14 counties in Michigan are listed as affected by the disease, which has spawned 28 confirmed cases in seven states. Factoring in Michigan’s death toll, there have been seven total deaths resulting from this outbreak.
“Given the record numbers of EEE cases in Michigan and other at-risk states, we would appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the CDC’s efforts to prevent the spread of this vector-borne illness,” Upton wrote to CDC Director Robert Redfield. “I would also like to learn of any effort to develop treatments for those who have already contracted this disease.”
Upton has asked for a Congressional briefing on the issue, with surveillance data and details of the CDC’s response strategy. He also noted that fears of EEE are beginning to trickle down into local communities with such things as altering high school football games, and other measures to avoid exposure risk.
“As you know, EEE is a rare vector-borne viral infection that is transmitted by infected mosquitoes,” Upton wrote. “Only a few cases are reported in the United States each year. EEE infection can be severe and involve the central nervous system. Approximately one-third of all people with EEE die from the disease, and many survivors develop ongoing neurological problems. However, this year, we have seen an alarming spike of EEE cases.”
Health officials are warning residents to protect themselves by wearing long sleeves in the evenings, wearing insect repellent, maintaining window and door screens and getting to the hospital immediately if they notice symptoms, which include high fever, headache, tiredness, and nausea.