EEE Deaths In Michigan Rise To Four

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A fourth Michigan resident has died from rare mosquito-borne virus that has been recorded across the southern half of the state. The latest to be claimed by Eastern Equine Encephalitis is 79-year-old Stan Zalner of Battle Creek. WWMT-TV in Kalamazoo reports he died from the illness today.

Ronna Bagent tells the television station that her father was hospitalized in September with severe flu-like symptoms before doctors were able to confirm the illness through blood tests. Nine cases have bene confirmed in six southern or southwestern Michigan counties, including Berrien. More than 30 animals, including 18 horses, in more than a dozen counties also have died from the disease. State health officials say low-flying aircraft are expected to spray pesticides Wednesday in 11 counties, with part of Allegan County slated to be sprayed tonight. The pesticides kill adult mosquitoes on contact.

Parts of Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties were sprayed this week, while to the east, the cities of Kalamazoo and Portage both opted out because of a large number of residents who objected.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.