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CASS COUNTY — The Van Buren/Cass District Health Department is calling on residents to take precautionary measures after the recent identification of Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus in mosquitos and animals in Van Buren and Cass County. 

EEE and WNV are diseases spread by mosquitoes and have the potential to cause serious illness, leading to severe mental deterioration and/or death. These diseases are only spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. EEE and WNV are not spread person-to-person, person to animal, or animal to person. No positive human cases have been detected in the jurisdiction. This health alert follows the detection of EEE in two horses in Van Buren, one horse in Cass County and a detection of WNV in an animal in Cass County. 

In response to recent surveillance activities, VBCDHD is enhancing public health communications and education to prevent infection of EEE and WNV. Dr. Larry Wile, Medical Director of VBCDHD, stressed the importance of prevention since there is no specific treatment for EEE or WNV. 

“Though the risk of contracting these diseases for residents is low, it is not zero,” he said. “While EEE and WNV pose significant health risks, there are effective steps we can all take to reduce the chances of infection. By remaining vigilant and following these guidelines, our community can protect itself from this serious virus.” 

Protect against mosquito bites by: 

1. Using Insect Repellents and Protective Clothing 
   1. Use EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. 
   2. Wear long sleeves and pants, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. 
   3. Consider avoiding or limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn. 
   4. Ensure windows and doors are fitted with proper screens to keep mosquitoes out. 
2. Remove Standing Water 
   1. Regularly empty containers that collect water, such as flowerpots, birdbaths, and children’s pools. 
   2. Clean out gutters to prevent water accumulation. 
   3. Frequently change water in pet dishes. 
3. Safeguard Livestock and Pets
   1. Vaccinate horses against EEE and WNV. Use protective measures like insect repellent. Consider stabling animals during peak mosquito activity. 
   2. Limit pets’ outdoor activities during dawn and dusk. 
   3. Report dead birds to local authorities, as they may indicate the presence of EEE or WNV in the area. 

Van Buren/Cass District Health Department is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health of all residents in Van Buren and Cass counties. Through education, prevention, and community partnerships, we work to create a healthier and safer environment for everyone. 

For more detailed information on vector borne viruses, including additional prevention tips and current updates, please visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ emerging diseases resource page at https://www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases/home. The Van Buren/Cass District Health Department is actively monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as necessary. For local health information and resources, please visit the health department’s website, https://vbcassdhd.org/.