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3rd Case Of Equine Encephalitis In Michigan

A 52-year-old southwest Michigan woman is recovering in a rehab center from the state's third case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

"This illness is probably one of the most serious mosquito-born illnesses in the United States," said Dr. Greg Holzman, with the state's health department.

"People who actually get Eastern Equine Encephalitis, it's about a 33-percent mortality,  and those who do not die from the disease, many will have long-time suffering from mild to even severe brain damage," he said.

Holzman said it's very important for people to try to prevent mosquito bites as much as possible to avoid contracting this disease.

The recent case is in Barry County, while the other two are in Kalamazoo county. 

One of the previous victims remains in intensive care.

 (Copyright 2010 WWJ Radio All Rights Reserved.)

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