Rare, Deadly Disease-Carrying Mosquitoes Found in Michigan

Mosquitoes carrying Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a rare and deadly mosquito-borne disease that causes brain swelling in humans, have been detected in Michigan. EEE has a 33% fatality rate in humans and is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms include headache, fever, chills, body and joint aches, vomiting, and tremors, with potential complications such as seizures, coma, and death. Precautions advised by state officials include using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants in wooded areas, and eliminating standing water. Michigan has reported the highest number of EEE cases in the US, with a major outbreak in 2019 resulting in 10 human cases and six deaths.