42 horses confirmed with encephalitis

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) - Health officials are reminding people to be vigilant about taking steps to prevent the spread of Eastern equine encephalitis in Michigan.

Lab testing in recent months has confirmed 42 Michigan horses with mosquito-borne disease.

• Barry County - 14 horses
• Kalamazoo County - five horses
• Calhoun County - eight horses
• Allegan County - four horses
• Cass County - five horses
• St. Joseph County - two horses
• Other areas - four horses

All but one of these horses died. Another 77 have been diagnosed with symptoms.

The disease is rare but can be deadly among humans. Last month, Michigan health officials reported that lab tests confirmed that three people contracted the disease.

Health officials say people should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and horses should be vaccinated.