(WWJ) A fifth Michigan resident has died after falling ill from eastern equine encephalitis, a rare mosquito-borne virus.

The death was reported in an adult from Cass County, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

There have been 10 cases of EEE this year in Michigan, which is more than each year in the past decade combined.

The human cases in 2019 are in Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties. In addition, EEE been confirmed in 40 animals from 16 counties: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Genesee, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lapeer, Livingston, Montcalm, Newaygo, St. Joseph, Tuscola and Van Buren.

Although frost is predicted in parts of the state Monday night, the MDHHS urges Michiganders to continue to take action to protect themselves until the first hard freeze, when the temperature dips to 28 degrees.

“The risk of EEE continues if there has not been a sustained period of freezing temperatures,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for MDHHS. “We urge residents to continue taking precautions against mosquito bites.”

The following precautions are encouraged:

Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-registered product to exposed skin or clothing, and always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.

Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.

Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.

Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs.

Use nets and/or fans over outdoor eating areas.

Health officials warn that EEE is deadliest mosquito-borne illness in the U.S., killing an estimated 33 percent of people who are infected.

Signs of EEE include the sudden onset of fever, chills, body and joint aches which can progress to a severe encephalitis, resulting in headache, disorientation, tremors, seizures and paralysis. Permanent brain damage, coma and death may also occur in some cases. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should see a doctor.

Aerial treatment covering more than 557,000 acres targeting 14 counties was completed Oct. 7 to help combat EEE.

Residents are encouraged to visit Michigan.gov/EEE for the very latest information.