State officials on Thursday, Aug. 28, said they have confirmed the first 2025 case of a virus that can cause life-threatening illnesses in both humans and horses.

to The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) was confirmed in a Benzie County horse that was not vaccinated.

“While this is the first case of EEE detected this season, other mosquito-borne diseases have been discovered throughout Michigan, including six human cases of West Nile virus,” State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland said in a news release. “These detections clearly indicate disease is circulating in the state’s mosquito population, making it crucial to protect animals and people against these insects. Preventing mosquito bites will prevent mosquito-borne diseases

See Full Page