A fifth human death due to Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been confirmed in a Cass County resident.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced Monday afternoon of the recent fatality from EEE. In addition, another horse has been diagnosed with the disease in Allegan County.

State Officials say the latest horse with EEE showed symptoms of the disease on October 1. Parts of the county were treated October 3 and again October 6 with an
aerial spray. All total, EEE has been confirmed in 10 people with five fatalities, along with 40 animals in 16 counties.

Although frost was predicted last night in parts of Michigan, Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Chief Medical Executive for the MDHHS urges residents to continue taking precautions against mosquitoes.

EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito borne diseases in the United States, with a 33 percent fatality rate in people who become ill. Many survivors are left
with physical and mental disabilities.