Eastern Equine Encephalitis found in Marquette County

MARQUETTE, MI-- Two horses in Marquette County have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis. EEE is a serious viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. The Marquette County Health Department says it mainly causes neurological disease in horses but can also cause illness in people, poultry, and other animals, such as deer and even dogs. The Department recommends people take steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites by applying repellant and wearing protective clothing. Officials say while it’s unusual to detect EEE in the U.P, a horse from Menominee County tested positive and one human case was diagnosed in the U.P. in 2016. Although there is no vaccine for humans, vaccines for horses are available. The two that tested positive were not vaccinated against the disease.