Dual Dove
A woman in her 60’s from Chippewa County has passed away from eastern equine encephalitis (known as EEE).
That is the second recorded human case of EEE in the same state so far in 2020. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Chippewa County Health Department, it’s also the first case that resulted in a death.
Those deaths should concern you because EEE is transmitted to humans via mosquito bites.
The first EEE case was first reported on Wednesday, and it involved a girl younger than 18, an inhabitant of Eau Claire County, according to DHS and the county’s health department.
EEE is especially dangerous because it can be spread to humans via infected mosquito bites.
Mosquitoes get the virus by feeding on infected birds.
Thankfully, the virus cannot be spread from person to person or directly between animals.
EEE is a rare disease, but it can lead to death, and it affects all people, regardless of their age.
Symptoms start from three to ten days after the person gets bitten.
Encephalitis (the inflammation and swelling of the brain) is the most typical and dangerous complication.
Stephanie Smiley, Interim State Health Officer, stated:
“We are very sad to report that one of our fellow Wisconsinites has contracted EEE and has passed away. This is the second confirmed EEE case in our state this year, and the seriousness of this infection cannot be overstated.”
“Since mosquitoes continue to be active in Wisconsin, we are urging people to continue to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” she added.
The best way to avoid contracting EEE is to try your best to prevent mosquito bites.
Try to avoid areas that are typically swarmed by mosquitoes. It would help if you tried to use repellent spray.
