1st human death in Wisconsin from eastern equine encephalitis reported

The first human death in Wisconsin of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in 2020 has been reported.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) on Friday announced that laboratory testing confirmed a case of EEE infection in a woman in her 60s who’d been living in Chippewa County.

It’s the second human case of EEE in the state so far this year.

“We are very sad to report that one of our fellow Wisconsinites has contracted EEE and has passed away. This is the second confirmed case of EEE in our state this year and the seriousness of this infection cannot be overstated,” cautioned Interim State Health Officer Stephanie Smiley. “Since mosquitoes continue to be active in Wisconsin, we are urging people to continue to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites.”

Multiple horses test positive for eastern equine encephalitis in Wisconsin

According to DHS, the EEE virus can be spread to humans, horses and other animals through a bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes acquire EEE virus by feeding on infected birds. The virus will not spread from person to person or directly between animals and humans.