The state health department is considering the use of pesticides in areas that are affected by Eastern Equine Encephalitis, also known as Triple-E. It's a mosquito-borne virus that can be fatal for people.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has reached out to local health officials in areas affected by the virus.
The health departments are discussing the use of aerial pesticides to stop the spread of the virus.
Eight people have gotten sick in Michigan this year and three people have died. Thirteen counties have reported confirmed cases in animals.
MDHHS spokeswoman Lynn Sutfin said in an email that final decisions about which areas might use the aerial pesticides have not yet been made.
The most recent data for Triple-E infections is below:
Human Cases
- 8 cases
- 3 Kalamazoo County (fatality)
- 1 Berrien County
- 1 Barry County
- 1 Cass (fatality)
- 1 Calhoun
- 1 Van Buren (fatality)
Additionally, Triple-E has been identified in 25 animals in Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Genesee, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lapeer, Montcalm, Newaygo, St. Joseph, Kent, and Van Buren.
