A rare mosquito-borne virus has been detected in northern Indiana.

The Eastern equine encephalitis virus, EEE, was found in three horses and a group of mosquitoes in Elkhart County.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, EEE infections can either result in systemic or encephalitic – with brain swelling – illnesses. One-third of all people with the infection die from it.

No human cases have been reported in Indiana.  One person in Michigan has died from the virus this year.

The CDC says since 2007, there have been an average of seven cases nationwide each year.

State health officials urge use of insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants outdoors to prevent mosquito bites.

Contact Jill at jsheridan@wfyi.org or follow her on Twitter at @JillASheridan.