Michigan reports rare mosquito-borne EEE case in Roscommon County

Michigan health officials confirmed Wednesday the state's first locally acquired human case of eastern equine encephalitis since 2021, involving a Roscommon County resident. The rare mosquito-borne virus carries a 30% fatality rate among those who become ill. Eastern equine encephalitis spreads through infected mosquito bites, with only a few U.S. cases reported annually. Symptoms include fever, headache, chills and nausea, potentially progressing to brain inflammation marked by disorientation, seizures and coma. No animal cases were detected in Michigan before this infection. Additional mosquito trapping is underway in Roscommon County to assess risk levels. State health officials urge residents to prevent mosquito bites and will monitor humans, mosquitoes, domestic animals and wildlife for signs of the disease alongside local authorities.