U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) last week requested information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding prevention efforts against the mosquito-borne Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus, which has claimed the lives of three residents in his home state.
“I request that you share the most recent surveillance data and the details of the CDC’s strategy to combat EEE infection as soon as possible,” wrote Rep. Upton in a Sept. 27 letter sent to Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the CDC.
The congressman, who said four other Michigan residents have fallen ill from the disease, specifically asked the CDC director for a congressional briefing on the centers’ strategy to combat the spread of EEE.
Nationwide, as of Sept. 24, EEE has caused seven deaths in seven states, according to the CDC, which reported that this is the largest annual number of EEE cases it has received in more than 50 years.
“Given the record numbers of EEE cases in Michigan and other at-risk states, we would appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the CDC’s efforts to prevent the spread of this vector-borne illness,” Rep. Upton wrote. “I would also like to learn of any effort to develop treatments for those who have already contracted this disease.”
EEE cases, which historically are rare, have hit southern Michigan hard, wrote Rep. Upton, citing information from Dr. Joneigh Khaldan, chief medical executive at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, who said the state’s number of cases are the largest in a decade.
“Concern about EEE has prompted some communities to take extra precautions, including altering start times for football games at local high schools to avoid risk of exposure,” Rep. Upton wrote.