It was recently discovered that Barry County is suspected of having the rare and dangerous mosquito-borne virus Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services now urges people in the following counties: Barry, Clare, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo and Oakland to cancel or postpone outdoor events that take place after dusk. They hope by canceling or postponing outdoor events that take place after dusk, it will prevent more people from contracting the virus, which is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
According to the Detroit Free Press, “The virus is one of the deadliest mosquito-borne diseases in the United States, with a 33% fatality rate in people who become ill. It leaves many survivors with physical and mental disabilities. It kills 90% of the horses sickened by the virus. So far this year, 22 horses in the 10 counties that are urged to cancel outdoor events have had confirmed cases of the virus.”