Kent County Health Department EEE Alert
What is Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)?

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) belongs to a category of viruses known as arboviruses, or arthropod-borne viruses. Arboviruses are spread by the bites of blood-sucking insects, such as mosquitos and ticks. EEE is spread by the bite of certain kinds of mosquitoes. 

How many total cases of EEE are there in Michigan?
As of September 26, 2019:

  • Nine (9) human cases within six (6) counties in Michigan
  • Kalamazoo, Berrien, Barry, Cass, Calhoun, and Van Buren
  • 3 of the 8 cases resulted in death.

  • EEE has been identified in 33 animals in 15 different counties
  • 18 horses, 13 deer, 2 wolf pups
  • Allegan, Barry, Branch, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Genesee, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lapeer, Montcalm, Newaygo, St. Joseph and Van Buren.

Why are we seeing EEE cases in Michigan?

  • Michigan has had outbreaks of EEE about every decade since 1980 when the first human case was reported in the state.
  • This year, the number of human cases of EEE in Michigan are equal to the total number of cases in the last ten years combined.
  • It is unknown exactly why some years are more severe than others, although weather, including temperature and rainfall, is thought to play a role.
Residents are urged to go to www.michigan.gov/EEE for up-to-date information on EEE and the State's response to the outbreak.
Health Symptoms of EEE

Symptoms of EEE generally occur four to 10 days after a person has been infected and include:

  • high fever
  • headache
  • tiredness
  • nausea/vomiting
  • neck stiffness

The illness may then progress into disorientation, seizures and coma.

Less than 1 percent of people infected can develop a serious neurological issue which can progress to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Approximately 30 percent of the people whose illness progresses to this point will die and many survivors have ongoing neurological issues.

Residents who have been bitten by mosquitoes should monitor their health and talk with their healthcare provider if they develop symptoms such as fever, malaise, headache and confusion. 
Protect Yourself Against the Bite

Residents are urged to protect themselves against mosquito bites through the following steps:

  • Avoid being outside during dusk.
  • Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET. Follow all label directions.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply DEET insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.
  • Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.
  • Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs.
  • Avoid boggy or marshy areas.

The State has also recommended outdoor sporting events be rescheduled to minimize exposure to peak mosquito activity.
Aerial Spraying to Combat EEE
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is planning on conducting aerial spraying of the immediate areas around human and/or animal EEE cases tonight (Monday, Sept. 30).

  • The spray is Merus 3.0 and will be applied as an Ultra Low Volume mist.
  • The rate of application will be approximately 1 tablespoon of Merus 3.0 per acre. At this low dose, exposed insects are the only organism expected to be harmed. 
  • This type of aerial spraying is very common throughout the USA. It has been done regularly during threat of extreme mosquito-borne illness. Many communities (including Saginaw County) have created tax-funded mosquito abatement districts that apply this chemical routinely during the warm weather months to reduce nuisance mosquitoes. 
  • Those communities who regularly use mosquito spraying have not observed health problems. A number of human health studies and rigorous product testing support the conclusion that this product is a very low risk to human health when used properly.
  • The aerial spraying will only happen between the hours of 8 p.m. and 4:30 a.m. when bees are in their hives. Bee and butterfly mortality is expected to be very low because they are not nocturnal. Bee and butterfly mortality has been low in other areas where spraying has happened overnight.

In Kent County, aerial spraying will occur in the Eastern and Northern borders. For the exact location in Eastern Kent County, click here. For the exact location in Northern Kent County, click here .
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has provided the following resource documents:


For health-related questions, contact the MDHHS at: (517) 335-8165.

For information on aerial spraying, the State will provide updates via local media outlets, social media, www.Michigan.gov/EEE and other channels 48 hours before spraying occurs.

Residents are encouraged to visit www.Michigan.gov/EEE for information on EEE and the State's response to the outbreak.
Kent County Administration
300 Monroe Avenue NW
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Tel: (616) 632-7590
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