Wisconsin Confirms First Eastern Equine Encephalitis Death

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the the Chippewa County Health Department on Saturday confirmed the first human death caused by Eastern Equine Encephalitis. This is the second human case in state this year, and the first resulting in a death.

The victim was described as a woman in her 60s who had been living in Chippewa County.

According to a news release sent by the state, the Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus is rare; however, the potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. The virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquitoes, which acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds.

There has been nine reported cases of EEE in horses this year, state officials said, all of which were located in the northwestern part of the state. Four of the cases were in Chippewa County.

Interim State Health Officer Stephanie Smiley said in a statement that the number of cases reportd this year represents "unusually high levels of EEE activity in the state."

Symptoms of EEE typically begin anywhere from three to 10 days after a person is bit by an infected mosquito. Inflammation and swelling of the brain — called encephalitis — is often the most frequent and dangerous complication.

The virus is not spread person-to-person or directly between animals and humans.

Prior to this year, the last human case of EEE was reported in 2017.

The state and Chippewa County Health Department officials encourage residents to take the following precaution to avoid mosquito bites:

• Apply an insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 to exposed skin and clothing.
• Prior to heading outdoors, treat clothing with permethrin. Do not apply permethrin directly to skin.
• Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning hours, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

See additional tips on how to mosquito-proof your home and protect animals.