Stay Safe from EEE: Van Buren/Cass Health Dept. Offers Precautions

The Van Buren/Cass District Health Department (VBCDHD) is urging the community to take immediate precautions following the detection of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Van Buren County. EEE is a rare but dangerous mosquito-borne illness that can cause severe neurological symptoms and even death in humans and animals.

The VBCDHD recommends the following steps to stay safe:

• Use EPA-approved insect repellents such as DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Wear long sleeves and pants, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Eliminate standing water around your home by emptying containers like flowerpots and birdbaths.
• Vaccinate horses against EEE and minimize their exposure during peak mosquito activity.
• Stay informed by monitoring local health advisories and reporting dead birds, which may indicate the presence of EEE.

Dr. Larry Wile, VBCDHD Medical Director, emphasizes the importance of these measures to protect the community from the risks associated with EEE. For more information about EEE visit CDC website and read VBCDHD full press release here.