Michigan reports first human case of deadly mosquito virus since 2021

Michigan health officials confirmed the state's first human case of eastern equine encephalitis since 2021, located in Roscommon County. The serious mosquito-borne illness was announced Wednesday, with additional mosquito trapping underway. Eastern equine encephalitis has a 30 percent fatality rate among those who become ill, according to Chief Medical Executive Natasha Bagdasarian. Symptoms include fever, headache, chills, and nausea, potentially progressing to brain inflammation with disorientation, seizures, and coma. The virus typically appears in late summer to early fall and is also deadly to unvaccinated horses, with a 90 percent fatality rate. Officials urge residents to use EPA-registered repellents, wear protective clothing, and eliminate standing water to prevent bites.