Deadly Mosquito Virus That Kept Michigan Indoors Found in Minnesota Grouse

Back in September, Michigan advised people to cancel their outdoor activities until the first frost due to the risk of Eastern equine encephalitis. It's a virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes. It's rare in humans, but it is very serious if someone gets infected. 1 in 3 people die from it.

The disease can affect animals too, and is often found in birds and other animals in the Eastern United States and gulf coast, but now has been discovered in three grouse shot in Itasca county, according to the Duluth News Tribune. This is from findings from the Minnesota DNR after hunters noticed abnormalities in the grouse. They were walking funny, wouldn't fly away, and had reduced muscle mass. The birds were tested in a lab and it was determined they were sickened by EEE. It's the first known case in Minnesota of an animal sickened.

The DNR warns people to make sure you are careful when processing the bird to make sure you don't get infected through a cut, and if you see something strange with the bird, do not consume it. Let the DNR know as well so they can investigate and gather more information.