BARRY COUNTY -- The State Department of Community Health has confirmed a third case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis has inflicted a 52-year-old Barry County Woman. The last case of EEE in a Michigander was reported 8 years ago. To have three in one area in a few months is highly unusual, but then conditions have been perfect for the disease.
The warm wet summer has made south west Michigan a perfect breeding ground for the Mosquitoes that transmit the virus.
Kalamazoo County Health Director Linda Buzas says avoid mosquitoes but don’t lock yourself in the house either, it is a very rare disease.
The 52-year-old Barry County woman fell ill in July and remains in a rehab center. A 41 year old from Kalamazoo County remains in intensive care, and a 61 year old is recovering now at home.
Health officials say many others may have also been exposed but did not get ill from the virus. It’s the nature of the bug. As many as 74 horses in the region, may have also gotten the disease. Only 18 have been confirmed.
