Overview
- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services confirmed Wednesday that a Roscommon County resident tested positive for locally acquired Eastern equine encephalitis, the state’s first human case since 2021.
- State and local health teams have increased mosquito trapping and testing and are coordinating with the departments of agriculture and natural resources to watch humans, mosquitoes, domestic animals and wildlife for further signs of the virus.
- Health officials warned that EEE is rare but severe, noting that about 30% of people who become ill can die, and they described early symptoms as fever, headache, chills and nausea that can progress to brain inflammation.
- There have been no confirmed animal EEE cases in Michigan so far in 2026 even though the state recorded horse cases in 2023–2025, and routine mosquito surveillance this season has already detected other arboviruses such as West Nile and Jamestown Canyon.
- Officials urged practical steps to reduce risk, including using EPA‑registered repellents, wearing long clothing during mosquito hours, fixing screens, and removing standing water, and they said they will release updated local testing results as they become available.