The Wisconsin Department of Health is alerting the general public to be on their guard in regards to mosquito-bites as a virus that is easily spread to humans has been detected in northwestern Wisconsin.  At the present time, news reports have shared that six horses have contracted Eastern Equine Encephalitis.  While the cases have been registered in Chippewa, Dunn, and Pepin counties, health officials are putting the rest of northwestern Wisconsin (and the entire state) on alert as mosquito's are believed to be the source of transmission.

While Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is rare, the mosquito-bite transmission is alarming.  And - while serious health considerations are also rare, it can be a severe illness.  Most people who contact EEE experience no symptoms, those who do get sick get very sick.  According to news sources:

"[Those who experience symptoms in regards to EEE come down with] encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain that typically begins with the sudden development of fever, headache, chills and vomiting. The illness may become severe resulting in disorientation, seizures, coma or death. There is no specific treatment for EEE illness, and death occurs in approximately 30% of people who develop encephalitis from the virus, according to the health department."

Combating the virus starts with prevention.  In this case, prevention means avoiding mosquito bites.  The Wisconsin Department of Health reminds people to limit their time outside - especially at dusk and dawn, avoid standing water, and make sure that the windows on your home are fitted with screens and that those screens aren't ripped, torn, or have holes.

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