A Deadly Mosquito-Borne Virus Is Suspected In Kalamazoo & Battle Creek

West Nile virus  has been a concern and an debilitating illness for many, now there is something else to worry about.

Remember the old camp song "I Wish I Were"? One of the verse's has always stuck in my memory...

Oh, I wish I were a little mosquito.
Oh, I wish I were a little mosquito.
I'd buzzy and I'd bitey,
Under everybody's nighty.
Oh, I wish I were a little mosquito.

Lets hope those little mosquitos don't buzz under our nighties because it could turn out to be deadly. Mlive is reporting that ...

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services officials said Monday, Aug. 26 they’re investigating potential cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in three residents from Kalamazoo and Berrien counties.

What is Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)?!? Because it does not sound good, and it is not! According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) here is what the sickness is...

EEE virus is a rare cause of brain infections (encephalitis). Only a few cases are reported in the United States each year. Most occur in eastern or Gulf Coast states. Approximately 30% of people with EEE die and many survivors have ongoing neurologic problems.

State health officials suspect three West Michigan residents have contracted a deadly mosquito-borne disease. On top of that 6 horses in Barry, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph counties have died from the disease this year. No word on how the 3 people are doing currently.

It is cause for concern but you can do things to protect yourself and your family. Your best defense against the disease is not getting nibbled on by a mosquito. That means wearing long sleeves, long pants and using Mosquito repellent.