BARRY COUNTY, Mich. — Eastern Equine Encephalitis is now confirmed in a fourth West Michigan county.
A horse in Barry County started showing symptoms of the mosquito-borne disease on August 26. The animal died this week.
The Barry-Eaton District Health Department says it is the first confirmed case of EEE in Barry County.
Horses in Kent, Montcalm, and NewaygoCounties previously tested positive for EEE. In total 13 horses across 6 counties in Michigan have gotten EEE in 2020.
In 2019 six people in the state died from the disease. 4 others survived.
The Barry-Eaton District Health Departments says anyone living in or visiting Barry County should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, including wearing long-sleeves, using spray that includes DEET, and staying inside during dusk.
