The Vermont Health Department is launching a research study this month into Eastern Equine Encephalitis -- a rare, mosquito-borne disease.

The state initiated pesticide spraying after two Vermonters were diagnosed with Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Both men died from the illness, which is spread by infected mosquitoes. Health Commissioner Harry Chen says discussions have already started about how to improve mosquito monitoring going forward.

Independent candidate for Vermont governor Emily Peyton discusses her campaign platform, including strong support for industrial hemp. And Health Commissioner Dr. Harry Chen explains how the Health Department is dealing with Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

49-year-old Scott Sgorbati died Tuesday morning at Rutland Regional Medical Center after weeks in intensive care. EEE is a rare brain infection spread by mosquitoes that can be fatal.

The Vermont Health Department says efforts to control mosquitoes in Brandon and Whiting are working, but it doesn't eliminate the threat of Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Earlier this month the state used aircraft to spray pesticides, and the number of mosquitoes in the area has been cut in half.

The Vermont Health Department had to call off aerial spraying to control mosquitoes in parts of Rutland and Addison counties due to weather conditions on Thursday. But officials say they hope to finish the job Friday night.

The Vermont Health Department will begin aerial spraying to control mosquitoes in parts of Rutland and Addison counties. Two people from the area were sickened, and one person has died from the state's first cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis.  State health officials have also confirmed an adult from Chittenden County was hospitalized with West Nile virus - which is also transmitted by infected mosquitoes.

Newscast: Wednesday, September 5, 2012, 5:50 p.m.

The Vermont Health Department is planning to begin aerial spraying as part of a broader effort to control mosquitoes in an area of Rutland and Addison counties where two people were sickened, and one person died, from the state's first cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis.